IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


V. 


{./ 


1.0 


1.1 


■^  1^    12.2 
1    HI    112.0 


M 


L25      1.4 

III— 

-^ 6"     - 

► 

Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notas/Notas  tachniquaa  at  bibliographiquaa 


T» 
to 


Tha  Instituta  has  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  bast 
original  copy  availabia  for  filming.  Faaturas  of  this 
copy  which  may  ba  bibliographically  uniqua. 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  changa 
tha  usual  mathod  of  filming,  ara  chackad  balow. 


nColourad  covars/ 
Couvartura  da  coulaur 


I — I   Covars  damagad/ 


D 


a 


Couvartura  andommag^a 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restauria  et/ou  pelliculAe 


f~~1    Cover  title  missing/ 


Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


□    Coloured  maps/ 
Cartes  g^ographiquas  an  couleur 


D 


Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encra  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 


Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relii  avac  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serrie  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distorsion  le  long  da  la  marge  intirieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certainas  pages  blanches  ajoutias 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte. 
mais.  lorsque  cela  itait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  itA  filmtes. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplimentaires; 


L'Institut  a  microfilma  le  meilleur  axamplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  iti  possible  de  se  procurer.  Las  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-^tre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  m^thoda  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiqute  ci-dessous. 


r~~|    Coloured  pages/ 


n 


Pagea  da  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagies 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pages  restaurias  et/ou  pellicul^es 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxec 
Pages  dicolories,  tacheties  ou  piquies 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  ditachies 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Qualiti  inigala  de  I'impression 

Includes  suppHmentary  materii 
Comprend  du  material  suppl^mentaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponibie 


|~~1  Pages  damaged/ 

|~~|  Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 

r~n  Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 

r^  Pages  detached/ 

r~ri  Showthrough/ 

rri  Quality  of  print  varies/ 

r~1  Includes  suppHmentary  material/ 

r~~|  Only  edition  available/ 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Lea  psges  totalement  ou  partieilement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure. 
etc..  cnt  it6  filmies  i  nouveau  de  facon  i 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


T» 

P« 
of 
fit 


Oi 
be 
th 

8l( 

ot 
fir 

SM 

or 


H 
sh 
Tl 
wl 

M 
di1 

enl 
be 
rig 
ret 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmd  au  taux  de  reduction  indiquA  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

y 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 


L'exemplaire  fiimt  fut  reproduit  grflce  k  la 
gAnArositA  de: 


University  de  IMontrial 


Univenit<  de  IMontrtei 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — ^  (meaning  "COI^- 
TINUED"),  or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  images  suivantes  ont  6tA  reproduites  avec  ie 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettet6  de  l'exemplaire  fiim«,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
fllmage. 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  ImprimAe  sont  filmte  en  commen^ant 
par  Ie  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
derniire  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impresslon  ou  d'lllustration,  soit  par  ie  second 
plat,  salon  Ie  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmte  en  commenpant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impresslon  ou  d'illustratlon  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboies  suivants  apparattra  sur  la 
derniire  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  seion  Ie 
cas:  ie  symbols  — »>  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  Ie 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atr^ 
flimte  A  des  taux  de  reduction  diff6rents. 
Lorsque  ie  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seui  clichA,  11  est  filmA  i  partir 
de  Tangle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prensnt  Ie  nombre 
d'images  nAcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
iilustrent  la  mAthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

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Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  yew  1840, 

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DISCOVERY  BY  COLUMBUS. 


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■it  1,  ="■  ■  .  •* 


':ji);^f'Vf  _f,Wp4'- 


kn'-ti  ;; 


;..-*:< 


1840,    .      t..r     ., 
DsettC.      '/Jfj;:, 


To  the  avarice  of  mankind,  and  the  enterprise  of  the 
Portuguese,  we  owe  the  present  abundance  of  the  gold, 
the  silver,  the  precious  stones,  the  silks  and  the  rich 
manufactures.  To  that  same  avarice  we  owe  the  dis- 
covery of  the  New  World,  the  idea  of  whose  very  exis- 
tence was  for  a  long  while  held  so  absurd,  that  the  love 
of  gain  itself  could  not  prompt  men  to  the  undertaking, 
though  the  boldest  navigator  of  all  ages  offered  to  risk 
his  me  and  reputatimi  in  the  attempt.  v«.».«^^-^. 

GhristovalJbolon,  or,  as  he  is  commonly  called,  Chris- 
topher Columbus,  to  whom  the  high  honor  of  this  most 
important  of  discoveries  is  due,  is  generally  held  tD  have 
be^  a  Genoese,  though  this  has  been  disputed,  and  it  has 
been  alleged,  on  very  plausible  grounds,  that  he  was  an 
Englishman.  Be  that  as  it  may,  he  was  a  navigator 
skilful  and  enterprising  beyond  his  age,  and  a  brave  com- 
mander. Yet,  at*  the  age  of  forty,  he  was  very  little 
known  to  his  compatriots.  The  idea  of  ^ding  a  new 
terrestrial  hemisphere  does  ];iot  appear  to  have  occurred 
to  him,  but,  judging  from  the  spherical  form  of  the  earth, 
he  thought  it  practicable  to  reach  the  East-Indies  by 
sailing  directly  west  from  Europe,  an  opinion  that  is  evi- 
dently correct,  supposing  that  our  continent  did  not  bar 
his  progress.  It  seems  singular  that  this  idea  never  oc- 
curred to  any  one  before  him,  and  still  more  so  thai  the 
most  enlightened  men  of  the  age  treated^s  proposals 
with  contempt.  As  his  m^{ms  were  smalBaiid  the  ex- 
penses of  bis  enterprise  must  necessarily  be  great,  ho 
first  submitted  his  views  to  the  government  of  Genoa,  in 
hope  to  obtain  the  requisite  aid,  but  they  were  rejected 
as  altogether  chimerical.  He  next  offered  his  service  as 
an  explorer  of  unknown  regions  to  the  court  of  Portugal ; 


1 


DI8C0TIRT    BT    COLVMBVI. 


^ 


"%%A 


m 


but  though  that  nation  was  then  distinffuished  above  all 
others  by  its  spirit  of  enterprise,  and  the  reigning  king, 
John  the  second,  was  a  wise  and  sagacious  prince,  the 

{»rejudice  of  his  counsellors,  to  whom  the  protect  of  Go- 
umbus  was  referred,  defeated  his  views  in  that  quarter 
also.  His  next  application  was  to  Ferdinand  and  Isa- 
bella, reigning  sovereigns  of  Castile  and  Arragon,  but 
they  were  too  much  occupied  in  wresting  the  kingdom 
of  Grenada  from  the  Moors,  to  give  his  plans  the  con- 
sideration due  to  their  importance.  About  the  same 
time,  he  sent  his  brother  Bartholomew  to  England,  to 
solicit  the  assistanc<^  of  Henry  the  seventh.  That  mean 
prince,  though  he  rejected  the  proposals  of  the  Genoese, 
determined  to  profit  by  them,  and  despatched  an  expedi- 
tion on  his  own  sole  account,  on  the  track  Columbus 
had  marked  out.  The  courage  of  its  commanders  fail- 
ed them,  and  they  retu^ed  to  England  as  they  went.  4 
Columbus  passed  many  years  in  fruitless  applications 
to  the  Court  of  Ferdinand  and  Isabelli^ut  at  last, 
Grenada  being  conquered  and  the  war  with  the  Moors 
at  an  end,  Isabella  had  leisure  to  attend  to  Columbus. 
Possf^sedof  a  mind  of  no  common  order,  she  was  not  slow 
to  see  that  his  project  was  at  once  reasonable  and  of  the 
highest  importance,  and  she  openly  avowed  herself  his 
patroness.  Her  husband,  a  cautious  ^d  narrow  mind- 
ed, though  sagacious  prince,  would  not  commit  himself. 
All  the  aid  he  lent  the  adventurer  was  the  sanction  of  his 
name.  It  is  with  a  won^p,  therefore,  that  the  world 
finder  must  divide  the  fame  of  his  discovery. 

Three  vessels,  two  of  them  not  larger  than  our  ordi- 
nary fishing  smacks,  were  thought  sufficient  for  this  im- 
portant expedition.  Expense,  had  long  been  themole 
obstacle  to  the  success  of  the  adventurer's  solicitations, 
yet  the  whole  cost  of  his  armament  when  equipped,  and 
furnished  with  a  twelvemonth's  provision,  was  no  more 
than  11^,600  <follars.  It  muflt  be  remembered,  however, 
that  the  value  of  the  dollar  was  m^ich  greater  then  than 

it  is  now.     '■«*■,  ■'.'#*«**t?>^T't^-'M  *^*«f»! '^''»  ^r"  yw'.:-i^.'>^  -t^"' 

Columbus  sailed  from  PaHs,  in  Andalusia,  on  the  3d 
of  August,  1492.  He  made  the  Canary  Islands,  and 
^n  stretched  boldly  westward  into  an  unknown  ocean. 


I. 


DIieOTIRT    BT    COLUMBVI»     v^i 


''» 


# 


in  latitvde  )88'  north.  From  various  causei,  and  among 
others  a  violent  tempest,  he  made  slow  progress.  His 
men  were  not  free  from  the  ignorance  of  the  age,  and  a 
spirit  of  discontent  arose  among  them  which  it  required 
all  his  courage  and  prudence  to  restrain.  Their  ter- 
rors at  last  rose  to  the  height  of  mutiny,  and  they  talked 
of  throwing  their  admiral  overboard,  so  that  he  was  com- 
pelled to  compromise  with  them.  He  promised  to  aban- 
don his  enterprise  and  return  home  if  they  did  not  dis- 
cover land  within  three  days.  He  could  now  make  this 
promise  without  much  danger  of  frustrating  his  main 
object,  for  from  the  quantities  of  wood  and  weeds  on  the 
surface  of  the  sea,  from  flocks  of  land  birds,  from  a 
carved  piece  of  wood  that  was  picked  up  and  from  other 
appearances,  he  was  assured  that  the  shore  was  at  hand. 
fi  On  the  night  of  the  23d  of  October  a  light  was  dis- 
covered from  the  mast  head  of  the  foremost  vessel.  The 
despondence^f  the  crew  was  now  changed  to  rapture. 
In  the  moiAg  they  landed  at  an  island  of  surpassing 
beauty  and  abounding  with  inhabitants  of  a  race  wholly 
unknown  to  them.  Both  sexes  went  entirely  naked,  their 
manners  were  kind  and  gentle,  and  they  received  the 
Spaniards  with  joy  and  homage,  taking  them  for  celes- 
tial visitants.  Alas!  had  they  believed  the  white  race 
fiends  from  hell,  t|;^e  treatment  the>  afterwards  received 
from  them  would  almost  have  justified  the  supposition.  «' 
it  Columbus  named  the  island  San  Salvador.  It  was 
one  of  the  cluster  since  geip'ally  called  the  Bahamas, 
and  is  3"  30'*more  southerly  of  Gommorra,  that  one  of.^ 
the  Canaries  at  which  he  took  leave  of  Europe.  Colum- 
bus did  not  tarry  long — he  had  not  come  in  quest  of 
islands,  and  he  was  not  satisfied.  His  discovery  only 
served  to  confirm  him  in  his  original  opinion,  and  be 
firmly  believed  that  the  land  before  him  wag  one  of  the 
East-India  islands.  Sailing  southward,  hi^ajoKiiil' discov- 
ered the  islands  of  St.  Mar^i  of  the  conoe»|ij;^Jp*erdi- 
nand  and  Isabellir.  H^  next  made  out  Cuba  n^i^^th- 
er  large  island,  which  ne  called  Espagnola,  and  it  itjtill 
known  as  Hispaniola,  St.  Domingo  and  Hayti^  Here 
he  built  a  fort  and  left  a  small  colony,,  after  which  h* 
returned  to  Spain,  taking  with  him  several  of  the  nativM 


m 


:^i 


*.■ 


■.•!>■ 


6 


DISCOTIRT    BT    00LUMBU8.  ' 


of  tho  newly  found  islands.  On  his  course  he  diiooT* 
ered  the  Garribee  Islands. 

Afler  having  been  seven  months  and  eleven  days  ab- 
sent, Columbus  arrived  at  the  port  of  Palos  on  the  15th 
of  March,  1493.  Great  rejoicmgs  were  had  on  his  arri- 
val, for,  from  the  sight  of  a  few  articles  of  gold  he  had 
brought  from  America  the  most  extravagant  ideas  of  the 
wealth  of  the  new  lands  were  entertained.  The  highest 
honors  were  paid  to  the  intrepid  mariner.  The  king  and 
queen  issued  letters  patent  confirming  to  him  and  his  heirs 
all  the  high  privileges  which  had  been  agreed  on,  in  case 
of  his  success  before  his  departure,  and  his  family  were 
enrolled  among  the  proudest  nobility  of  Spain.  .0^ 

Still  neither  the  Spaniards  nor  any  other  European 
nation  entertained  the  least  doubt  that  the  lands  Colum- 
bus had  found  were  parts  of  India,  for  at  that  time  the 
extent  of  India  was  unknown.  For  this  reason  it  was 
that  Ferdinand  and  Isabella  gave  them^e  name  of 
"  Indies  "  in  the  instrument  by  which  th^pftatified  their 
agreement  with  Columbus,  and  on  this  account  they 'still 
erroneously  bear  that  name,  and  all  the  aborigines  of 
the  i^w  world  are  called  Indians. 

Tile  success  of  Columbus  had  its  natural  effect.  The 
whole  enterprise  of  Spain  was  roused.  No  time  was  lost, 
no  expense  was  spared,  in  equipping  a  fleet  to  accompa- 
ny the  great  mariner  back  to  the  lands  he  had  made 
known.  A  fleet  of  seventeen  vessels  was  fitted  out  with- 
in six  months  and  manned  with  fifteen  hundred  men, 
among  whom  many  of  the  noble  and  the  distinguished  of 
Spain  did  not  disdain  to  enroll  themselves.  It  was  one 
of  the  popular  opinions  of  the  day  that  the  new  found  land 
was  either  the  Ophir  of  Solomon  or  the  Cipango  of  Marco 
Polo.  Ferdinand  himself  caught  the  prevailing  oithu- 
siasm  of  the  day  and  was  desirous  of  securing  his  part  of 
the  golden  harvest  expected  to  be  reaped  in  the  new  world. 
He  appliefi  ^o  the  Pope  to  be  invested  with  a  right  in  the 
lands  discovered,  or  to  be  discoveifd.  '  A  shew  of  a  relig- 
ious motive  was  necessary,  and  he  made  his  zeal  to  con- 
vert the  natives  to  the  Catholic  faith  the  basis  of  his  hypo- 
IH'itical  plea  ;  not  without  the  desired  effect.  -,  ^m  j^^^^*^ 


DISOOTIRY    BY    COLUMBUS. 


The  reigning  pope,  Alexander  the  fourth,  was  one  of 
the  vilest  of  men  and  cared  as  little  for  the  conversion  of 
the  heathen  as  Ferdinand.  But  he  had  the  interest  of 
his  own  family  at  heart  and  the  friendship  of  the  Spanish 
monarch  was  of  no  little  importance  to  him.  He  was 
himself  a  native  of  Arragon.  His  favor  and  pontifical 
sanction  only  were  asked,  and  these  involved  neither  ex- 
pense nor  risk.  He  therefore  made  no  difficulty  in  be- 
stowing upon  Ferdinand  and  Isabella  **  all  the  countries 
inhabited  by  infidels  which  they  had  discovered."  Yet 
it  was  necessary  to  prevent  this  gtant  from  interfering 
with  one  of  the  same  character  that  he  had  made  not  long 
before  to  the  crown  of  Portugal.  He  therefore  decreed 
that  an  imaginary  meridian  line  one  hundred  miles  to  the 
westward  of  the  Azores  should  be  the  boundary  between 
the  parties.  All  lands  eastward  of  thi9  notable  boundary 
he  conferred  on  the  Portuguese  ;  all  westward  upon  the 
Spaniards.  ^^ 

ColumbulMuled  on  his  second  voyage  of  discovery  from 
Cadiz,  on  the  25ih  of  September  14^.  On  his  arrival 
at  Hispaniola  he  had  the  mortification  to  learn  that  all  the 
colonists  he  had  lefl  there  had  been  put  to  death  b}  the 
natives,  a  just  punishment  for  their  lawless  ravagcis,  ty- 
ranny and  cruelties.  Nevertheless,  he  was  not  discour- 
aged. He  laid  out  the  plan  of  a  large  city  on  a  plain 
near  a  ca^^iacious  bay,  to  which  he  gave  the  name  of  Isa- 
bella his  royal  patroness  and  appointed  his  brother  Diego 
to  preside  over  it,  as  deputy  Governor.  He  then,  on 
the  24th  of  April  1494,  set  sail  with  a  ship  and  two  other 
small  vessels  in  quest  of  new  discoveries.  He  touched  at 
many  small  islands  on  the  coast  of  Cuba,  and  also  at  the 
groa#  and  fertile  island  Jamaica,  which  he  found  in- 
habited by  a  bold,  warlike  and  ferocious  race,  since  call- 
ed the  Caraibs,  or  Caribees,  radically  distinct  from  the 
natives  of  Hispaniola,  of  whom  they  were  the  terror  and 
the  scourge.     He  then  returned  to  Hispaniola. 

During  his  absenc#ihe  Spaniards,  insolent  and  exult- 
ing in  the  consciousness  of  superior  power,  had  oppress- 
ed and  abused  the  innocent  and  gentle  natives  in  the 
most  wanton  manner.  Scarcely  an  injury  can  be  cdr 
ceived  that  was  not  inflicted  on  tbem.    These  abuses,  as 


^ 


V.i*. 


i»«*«ii. 


DISCOVERY    BY    COLUMDUfl. 


colony,  too,  plcmls  in  fuvor  of  CoJumbus.  Unaccus- 
tomed  to  labour, nnd  strangers  to  the  deadly  climate  of 
the  West-Indies,  great  numbers  of  the  colonists  fell  vic- 
tims to  disease,  hardship  and  exposure.  The  rest  were 
rapidly  declining,  and  such  had  been  the  injuries  inflict- 
ed by  them  on  tlic  natives,  that  no  kindness  on  their  part 
could  have  re-established  confidcnco  nnd  friendship.  It 
may  bo  said,  too,  that  Columbus  treated  the  unhappy 
savages  with  less  inhumanity  than  his  successors  in  tne 
career  of  discovery  and  conquest.  Still,  these  matters 
but  extenuation,  not  justification  of  his  conduct, 


are 


which  ought  ever  to  be  viewed  with  abhorrence.  It  ia 
painful  to  detract  from  the  character  of  ickiiowledged 
and  surpassing  merit,  yet  it  is  the  duty  of  the  annalist  to 
make  truth  the  guiding  star  of  his  course,  no  matter 
who  suffers.  If  Columbus  had  not  formed  a  specific 
design  to  wage  an  offensive  war  against  the  natives  pre- 
vious to  his  second  departure  from  Spain,  and  conse- 
quently before  he  was  awaro  of  the  destruction  of  his 
peopl>o  whom  he  had  lefl  in  Hispaniola,  it  is  yet  certain 
that  the  idea  of  being  involved  in  hostilities  with  the 
simple  Indians  had  entered  his  mind.  The  fact,  that  ho 
carried  a  large  number  of  fierce  and  powerful  blood- 
hounds with  him  proves  it. 

He  had  found  the  natives  peaceable  and  friendly,  and 
had,  therefore  no  reason  to  apprehend  that  they  would 
commence  hostilities.  The  cavalry  he  took  with  him, 
as  they  were  feared  and  reverenced  by  the  Indians,  were 
quite  sufficient  for  the  security  of  the  colony,  supposing 
that  friendship  with  them  had  been  an  object,  liwi  it 
was  inconsistent  with  the  views  of  the  Spaniards  to  treat 
them  as  a  free  people.  Lust  of  gold  was  the  grand  in- 
centive of  the  settlers,  and  as  some  of  the  natives  were 
decorated  with  golden  ornaments,  and  it  was  supposed 
that  the  mountains  of  the  island  abounded  with  the  pre- 
cious metals,  great  expectations  had  been  formed  by  the 
patrons  of  Columbus  and  the  nation  at  large.  His  in- 
terest and  his  iimbition  urged  him  to  fulfil  those  expecta- 
tions as  far  as  possible.  Gold  could  not  be  obtained 
without  the  aid  of  the  Indians,  who  were  so  indolent 
from   constitution,  habit  and  climate  that  nothing  but 


() 


10 


DISCOVERY    BY    COLUMBUS. 


actual  compulsion  could  induce  them  to  labour.  To 
avoid  the  mortification  of  failure,  therefore,  and  to  secure 
farther  support,  Columbus  deliberately  devoted  a  harm- 
less race  of  men  to  slaughter  and  slavery.  Such  as  sur- 
vived the  massacre  of  their  first  dreadful  defeat,  and  re- 
tained their  liberty,  fled  to  the  mountains  and  inaccessi- 
ble fastnesses  of  the  island,  which  not  affording  them  an 
adequate  maintenance,  they  were  obliged  to  purchase 
food  of  their  cruel  invaders  with  gold.  The  tribute  im- 
posed on  them  was  rigorously  exacted.  The  wretched 
remauis  of  this  once  free  and  happy  people  reduced  from 
plenty  to  starvation,  from  freedom  to  miserable,  labori- 
ous and  hopeless  slavery^  gave  themselves  up  to  despair 
•  and  perished  miserably.  Such  was  their  invincible  re- 
pugnance to  labour,  that  thousands  hung  and  otherwise 
^destroyed  themselves  to  avoid  it.  In  less  than  half  a 
century,  a  population  of  three  millions  had  dwindled  to 
a  mere  handful.  These  are  historical  facts,  and  yet  Co- 
lumbus is  extolled  for  his  humanity  ! 

Columbus  and  his  companions  seem  to  have  discover- 
ed two.  distinct  races  of  men  in  the  West-Indies.  The 
natives  of  Hispaniola,  Cuba,  the  Bahamas,  ^c.  are 
described  as  having  been  black,  small  of  stature,  feeble 
of  body  and  mind,  kind,  humane,  hospitable,  excessive- 
ly indolent,  averse  to  exertion,  whether  physical  or  men- 
tal and  in  no  wise  addicted  to,  or  fitted  for  war.  Their 
scourge  and  terror,  the  other  race,  since  called  the  Ca- 
raibs  or  Carribees  inhabited  Jamaica,  the  Carribee  and 
many  other  islands.  They  were  a  cruel,  fierce  and  war- 
like peojfle,  and  carried  death  and  desolation  wherever 
they  went.  They  Were  by  no  means  indolent :  their 
canoes  visited  all  parts  of  the 'West-Indian  Archipelago 
and  they  were  no  strangers  to  the  main  land  of  North 
and  South  America.  They  did  not  submit  tamely  to  the 
aggressions  of  their  invaders,  but  met  them  boldly  jmd 
struck  them  blow  for  blow,  till  they  became  nearly  ex- 
tinct. A  small  remnant  of  them  still  survives  on  the 
island  of  St.  Vincent,  but  so  amalgamated  with  the  ne- 
groes that  their  national  character  and  physiognomy  are 
almost  entirely  obliterated.  Yet  they  have  not  lost  the 
spirit  and  bravery  of  their  ancestors.    It  is  not  a  centu- 


exl 


CONQUEST    OF    MEXICO. 


11 


ry  since  they  maintained  themselves  against  all  the  forces 
that  could  be  detached  from  the  other  British  West  In- 
dia islands  against  them.  Their  cause  was  just,  for  they 
fought  for  the  lands  of  their  inheritance,  and  after  a  pro- 
tracted struggle,  the  authorities  made  peace  with 
them. 

Many  tales  are  told  of  the  ferocity  of  the  Caraibs, 
which,  as  they  come  from  their  enemies  must  be  receiv- 
ed with  due  allowance.  Still  no  doubt  remains  but  that 
they  were  a  cruel  people,  much  like  our  North  Amer- 
ican Indians,  from  whom  no  doubt  they  sprung.  In  one 
remarkable  particular  they  differed  from  the  other  aborig- 
ines. They  flattened  the  heads  of  their  infants,  while  the 
skull  was  ytii  soft  and  plastic,  between  two  boards,  so 
that  in  manhood  the  forehead  was  flattened  and  depress- 
ed to  an  extraordinary  degree.  It  is  related  of  some  of 
them  that  they  could  look  perpendicularly  upwards  with- 
out throwing  their  heads  back  in  the  .least.  The  same 
absurd  practice  prevails  among  the  Flat  Heads  and  oth- 
er tribes  on  the  Columbia  River  to  this  day. 


THE   CONaUEST  OF  MEXICO. 

We  presume  only  to  give  a  brief  abstract  of  the  most 
important  Indian  war  that  ever  took  place.  The  facts 
attending  the  subversion  of  the  powerful  empire  of  Mex- 
ico, are  too  many  and  two  well  known  to  need  that  we 
should  dwell  upon  them. 

Diego  Velasquez  conquered  Cuba  in  the  year  1511, 
and,  as  well  as  others  of  the  Spaniards  subject  to  Ilis 
authority,  entertained  the  idea  of  making  further  discov-  ^% 
eries  to  the  westward.  With  the  aid  of^rancisco  Her- 
nandei  Cordova,  a  wealthy  planter,  he  fitted  out  three 
small  vessels  on  board  of  which  a  hundred  and  ten  n[ien 
embarked  and  sailed  from  St.  Jago  de  Cuba  on  the  8th 
of  February  1517.  Standing  directly  west,  they  made 
land  in  twenty-one  days,  which  proved  to  be  the  coast  of 
Yucatan.  They  found  the  natives  dressed  in  cotton 
garments,  dwelling  in  houses  of  stone  and  otherwise 
exhibiting  tokens  of  (for  the  age)   high    civilization. 


12 


CONQUEST    OF    MEXICO. 


They  attacked  the  Spaniards  with  great  bravery  and 
wounded  fifteen  of  them  by  the  first  flight  of  their  arrows, 
but  were  in  their  turn  so  astounded  by  the  fire  arms,  that 
Ihey  fled  in  the  utmost  dismay. 

Cordova  took  two  prisoners  and  continued  along  the 
coast  to  Campeachy,  where,,  stopping  to  water  at  the 
mouth  of  a  river  at  Potonchan,  he  was  again  furiously 
attacked  by  the  natives  and  forty  seven  of  his  party  were 
killed  and  only  one  of  the  whole  body  escaped  unhurt. 
After  this  fatal  repulse  nothing  remained  for  them  but 
to  return  to  Cuba. 

But  they  had  discovered  a  populous  and  rich  country, 
which  was  sufiicient  to  re-awaken  the  cupidity  of  the 
Spaniards.  Velasquez  fitted  out  four  ships,  with  two 
hundred  and  forty  men  and  gave  the  command  to  Juan  do 
Grijalva.  They  landed  at  Potonchan  and  defeated  the 
Indians,  who,  however,  fought  with  desperate  valour. 
As  the  Spaniards  sailed  along  the  coast  they  had  ample 
leisure  to  admire  the  beauty  of  the  country,  the  villages 
and  the  cities.  They  gave  the  land  the  name  of  New 
Spain.  Landing  at  Tabasco,  they  learned  through  the 
captives  talieh  in  the  former  expedition  that  they  were  in 
the  dominion  of  a  powerful  prince  named  Montezuma. 
They  made  a  very  satisfactory  survey  of  the  coast,  and 
then  returned  to  Cuba  after  an  absence  of  about  six 
months. 

On  his  return  Grijalva  found  an  expedition  fitted  out 
for  the  conquest  of  Mexico,  the  command  of  which  was 
ultimately  given  to  Hernando  Cortez,  a  Castilian  of 
noble  blood  and  unquestionable  military  abilities.  They 
soon  set  sail.  The  fleet  consisted  of  eleven  small  ves- 
sels, on  board  of  which  were  six  hundred  and  seventeen 
men,  thirteen  of  whom  only  were  armed  with  musquets. 
Thirty-two  others  carried  cross-bows  and  the  rest  were 
armed  with  swords  and  spears.  They  had  also  sixteen 
horses,  fourteen  small  field  pieces.  With  this  small 
force  Cortez  set  out  to  make  war  on  the  monarch  of 
dominions  more  extended  than  Spain  itself  Religious 
fanaticism  urged  his  soldiers  on.  '*  Let  us  follow  the 
•cross,"  said  they,  •*  for  under  that  sign  we  shall  con- 
4^uer." 


CONQUEST    OF    MEXICO. 


13 


and 

that 

r  the 
L  the 
msly 
were 
hurt. 
I  but 

mtry, 
>f  the 
h  two 
lande 
ed  the 
alour. 
ample 
illages 
f  New 
gh  the 
ete  in 
izuma. 
(t,  and 
»ut  six 


At  Tabasco  the  Natives  gave  Cortez  battle,  but  were 
beaten  in  several  engagements  with  great  slaughter. 
These  disasters,  together  with  the  terror  of  the  horses 
and  fire  arms,  broke  their  spirit.  They  sued  for  peace, 
paid  tribute  to  Cortez  and  acknowledged  the  king  of 
Spain  as  their  sovereign. 

At  Tabasco,  deputies  from  the  governors  (under 
Montezuma)  of  two  provinces  waited  on  Cortez  to  know 
his  intentions  and  to  offer  him  assistance.  The  wily 
Spaniard  assured  them  that  he  came  in  perfect  friend- 
ship, as  an  ambassador  from  a  powerful  monarch,  upon 
business  of  such  importance  as  could  only  be  entrusted 
to  Montezuma  himself.  He  therefore  desired  to  be 
conducted  to  his  presence.  The  Mexicans  were  much 
embarrassed,  neither  daring  to  offend  Cortez  by  refusal, 
nor  conduct  the  Spaniards  to  their  king  who  had  a  sove- 
reign dread  of  them.  They  endeavored  to  temporize 
with  the  invaders  and  to  conciliate  them  with  rich  gifts, 
which,  however,  only  inflamed  their  cupidity. 

In  eight  days  an  answer  was  received  from  the  Indian 
King,  accompanied  by  presents  of  great  value  to  render 
it  palateable.  The  purport  of  Montezuma's  message 
was,  that  though  he  sent  the  Spaniards  these  tokens  of 
his  regard,  he  would  not  allow  them  to  approach  his 
capital,  or  even  to  remain  in  his  dominions.  But  Cor- 
tez adhered  to  his  original  views,  and  a  second  message 
was  despatched  to  Montezuma,  reiterating  his  proposal. 
This  prince,  though  the  fiercest  and  most  warlike  who 
ever  sat  on  the  Mexican  throne,  with  a  vast  extent  of 
territory,  millions  of  hardy  subjects  and  very  considera- 
ble revenues,  was  seized  with  a  fit  of  irresolution,  in 
which  his  people  participated.  It  arose  from  an  an- 
cient tradition  that  the  empire  was  to  be  ruined  by  a 
race  of  men  from  the  east.  Nevertheless  Montezuma 
finally  made  up  his  mind  to  order  the  strangers  to  leave 
his  dominions  immediately. 

In  the  meanwhile  mutiny  broke  out  in  the  Spanish 
camp.  After  raising  Cortez  to  the  command,  Velas- 
quez had  become  jealous  of  him,  and  had  used  all  en- 
deavors to  make  him  unpopular  in  the  army.  His  ad- 
herents, on  receiving  the  final  orders  of  Montezuma, 


::'^^.^ 


14 


CONQUEST    OF    MEXICO.- 


made  choice  of  Diego  dc  Ordaz  to  remonstrate  with 
Cortez  on  the  imprudence  of  attempting  the  conquest 
of  a  mighty  empire  with  so  small  a  force.  Accordingly 
he  gave  orders  to  his  troops  to  re-embark,  which  was 
so  little  to  the  liking  of  the  majority  of  his  troops,  who 
were  not  in  the  interests  of  Velasquez,  that  they  revolt- 
(d.  The  chief,  therefore,  feigning  to  yield  to  their 
wishes,  whith  were  in  fact  his  own,  rescinded  his  or- 
ders, and  prepared  for  his  career  of  conquest.  To  this 
effect  he  established  a  form  of  government,  and  magis- 
trates and  officers  were  appointed  without  any  regard 
to  the  authority  of  Velasquez.  Cortez  himself  resigned 
his  command,  and  was  reinvested  with  it,  by  the  siif- 
frage  of  the  troops,  so  that  he  no  longer  looked  up  to 
the  governor  of  Cuba  as  the  source  of  his*  authority. 
His  next  step  was  to  arrest  the  most  factious  of  the  par- 
%  tizans  of  Velasquez  And  to  throw  them  into  irons.  He 
was  afterwards  reconciled  to  them  and  they  proved  faith- 
ful to  his  interest. 

Soon  after  the  inhabitants  of  the  province  of  Zam- 
poalla  offered  to  rebel  against  Montezuma,  of  whose 
tyranny  and  cruelty  they  were  weary,  and  to  assist  Cor- 
tez. The  cacique  of  Quibislan  followed  their  example, 
as  did  also  the  Totonaques,  a  fierce  tribe  of  mountain- 
eers. This  advantage  was  counterbalanced  by  discon- 
tents and  conspiracies  in  the  Spanish  camp,  to  which 
Cortez  put  an  end  in  a  most  desperate  manner.  He 
caused  his  ships  to  be  broken  up,  and  thus  left  his  fol- 
lowers no  choice  but  to  conquer  or  die. 

Cortez  marched  from  Zampoalla  on  the  16th  of  Au- 
gust, with  five  hundred  men,  fifteen  horse  and  six  field 
pieces.  The  cacique  of  Zampoalla  furnished  him  with 
provisions  and  with  two  hundred  men  to  carry  them. 
On  his  arrival  at  Tlascala,  the  fierce  inhabitants  of  that 
province,  who  had  long  maintained  their  independence 
against  the  sovereigns  of  Mexico,  attacked  him,  but 
being  worsted  with  great  loss  in  several  battles,  they 
treated  for  peace  and  agreed  to  assist  the  Spaniards 
against  Mexico.  They  joined  the  ranks  of  Cortez  to 
the  number  of  six  thousand,  and  the  united  forces  ad- 
vanced to  Cholulp ,  a  place  considered  holy  by  the  Mexi- 


CONQUEST    OF    MEXICO. 


15 


If  Au- 
|x  field 
with 
them, 
►f  that 
idence 
but 
they 
iniards 
•tez  to 
kes  ad- 
Mexi- 


cans and  the  sanctuary  of  their  gods.  Here  Montezu- 
ma had  given  orders  that  the  invaders  should  be  well 
received,  with  what  object  the  reader  will  presently  see. 

It  was  presently  discovered  that  the  inhabitants  had 
entered  into  a  conspiracy  to  cut  the  Spaniards  off;  upon 
which  Cortez  drew  up  his  forces  and  attacked  them 
sword  in  hand,  while  the  Tlascalans  pressed  them  in  the 
rear.  The  massacre  lasted  two  days,  during  which 
every  enormity  was  committed.  Six  thousand  of  the 
Cholulans  perished,  before  Cortez  agreed  to  pardon  the 
remainder. 

From  Cholula,  Cortez  marched  directly  to  Mexico, 
where  he  was  received  with  great  distinction.  First 
came  out  a  thousand  men  in  garments  of  cotton  and 
wearing  plumes  to  salute  him  and  announce  the  ap- 
proach of  Montezuma.  Then  appeared  two  hundred 
more,  clad  in  uniform.  After  these  approached  an  as- 
semblage of  richly  dressed  nobles,  in  the  midst  of  whom 
was  the  king  borne  in  a  litter  on  the  shoulders  of  four 
of  his  principal  subjects,  with  all  the  paraphernalia  of 
regal  splendour.  Before  him  marched  three  officers 
with  golden  rods,  which  when  they  lifted,  the  people 
bowed  their  heads  and  hid  their  faces,  ,  as  unworthy  to 
look  at  so  great  a  monarch.  Cortez  dismounted,  and 
Montezuma  alighted  to  greet  him,  while  his  attendants 
spread  cotton  cloths  in  the  street  that  his  feet  might  not 
touch  the  ground.  However,  nothing  material  passed. 
The  king  conducted  Cortez  and  his  allies  to  the  qiiar-i 
ters  destined  for  them,  which  was  a  large  building  sur- 
rounded by  a  stone  wall ;  a  very  defensible  position, 
which  the  Spaniards  lost  no  time  in  fortifying. 

Mexico  is  situated  in  a  large  plain  surrounded  by 
mountains,  and  built  on  the  shore  and  some  small  islaii<£i 
in  a  lake.  The  access  to  the  city  was  by  artificial 
causeways  or  streets,  which  were  of  great  length.  One 
was  a  mile  and  a  half  long,  another  three  miles  and  a 
third  six  miles.  In  each  of  these  causeways  there  were 
openings  through  which  the  water  flowed,  and  covered 
with  timber  which  could  easily  be  removed.  The  tem- 
ples of  the  gods  and  the  houses  of  the  nobility  were  of 
great  magnitude,  but  the  common  people  lived  in  mere 


% 


aj,**'- 


16 


CONQUEST    OF    MEXICO. 


■     ^ 


huts,  regularly  ranged  on  the  banks  of  the  canals  which 
passed  through  the  city.  The  market  was  so  spacious 
that  forty  or  fifty  thousand  people  carried  on  trafKc  in 
it.  The  whole  city  was  estimated  to  contain  sixty  thou- 
sand inhabitants.  Every  thing  gave  token  of  a  high 
state  of  civilization,  and  yet,  strange  to  relate,  all  this 
splendour  was  achieved  by  a  people  who  were  stran- 
gers to  the  use  of  iron  and  who  had  no  domestic  ani- 
mals. 

In  the  mean  while  a  Mexican  army  had  marched  to 
subdue  the  Indians,  who  had  thrown  off  the  yoke  of 
Montezuma  and  the  Spanish  garrison  which  Cortez  had 
left  behind  him  had  sallied  out  to  the  assistance  of  their 
allies.  Though  the  Mexicans  were  defeated,  Esealante, 
the  Spanish  commander,  and  seven  of  his  men  were 
killed.  Another  was  taken  alive  and' beheaded  and  his 
head  was  sent  round  to  the  different  cities  to  shew  the 
Mexicans  that  their  invaders  were  not  immortal,  as  they 
had  believed.  From  this  and  other  causes,  Cortez  re- 
solved to  get  Montezuma  into  his  power  as  a  hostage 
for  the  peaceable  behaviour  of  his  subjects.  At  his 
usual  hour  of  visiting  the  king,  he  took  with  him  ten  of 
his  soldiers,  and  thirty  more  followed,  as  if  by  mere 
carelessness.  On  meeting,  he  reproached  Montezuma 
bitterly  with  the  late  conduct  of  his  army,  and  finally, 
confpelled  him  to  go  with  them  to  their  quarters.  A 
tumult  broke  out  among  the  people  at  this  flagrant  in- 
sult, and  the  king  was  obliged  to  appease  them  by  de- 
claring that  he  went  with  his  captors  by  his  own  free 
will  and  consent. 

Though  he  was  received  and  treated  with  respect, 
the  king  was  cloSfely  watched.  The  general  and  seven 
of  the  officers  of  his  army  were  given  up  to  the  Span- 
iards to  appease  their  resentment,  who  tried  them  by  a 
court-martial  and  sentenced  them  to  be  burnt  alive,  for 
doing  their  duty  as  brave  men  and  loyal  subjects.  The 
Mexicans  looked  on  and  saw  them  die  without  attempt- 
ing to  rescue  them.  Cortez  took  other  measures  to  in- 
sure his  safety,  and  built  two  brigantines  which  gave 
him  the  command  of  the  lake.  All  this  was  done  in  the 
name  and  with  the  enforced  sanction  of  Montezuma. 


I 


CONQUEST    OF    MEXICO. 


17 


5  which 
pacious 
raffic  in 
Ly  thou- 
'  a  high 
all  this 
-e  stran- 
stic  ani- 

rched  to 
yoke  of 
►rtez  had 
3  of  their 
scalaiite, 
len  were 
d  and  his 
shew  the 
1,  as  they 
^ortea  re- 
hostage 
At  his 
im  ten  of 
by  mere 
mtezuma 
id  finally, 
ters.     A 
grant  in- 
im  by  de- 
own  free 

respect, 
ind  seven 
[he  Span- 
Ihem  by  a 
1  alive,  for 
ks.     The 

attempt- 
Ires  to  in- 

Mch  gave 

)nc  in  the 

Izuma. 


Encouraged  by  the  king's  tame  submission,  Cortcz 
urged  him  to  declare  himself  a  vassal  of  the  king  of 
Castile,  and  he  was  base  enough  to  comply.  The  chief 
men  of  the  empire  were  assembled,  and  in  a  set  speech, 
but  with  tears  and  groans,  he  declared  his  submission. 
But  to  allay  the  indignation  of  thg  people,  Cortez  pro- 
claimed that  his  master  had  no  intention  to  dethrone  the 
king,  or  to  alter  the  laws  of  the  empire.  The  present 
made  by  Montezuma  on  this  occasion,  together  with  all 
the  gold  and  silver  the  invaders  had  received  from  him 
and  his  subjects  at  other  times,  was  melted  down  and 
amounted  to  six  hundred  pesos,  exclusive  of  jewels  and 
ornaments  of  gold  and  silver.  About  half  of  this  tr^^s- 
ure  was  divided  among  the  soldiery. 

The  spirit  of  resistance  among  the  Mexicans  was  at 
last  roused  by  ah  attempt  on  tlie^part  of  Cortez  to  con- 
vert them  forcibly  to  the  christian  faith.  From  that  mo- 
ment they  harbored  the  idea  of  revenge.  An  event  occur- 
red which  seemed  for  a  time  to  favor  their  designs.  Ve- 
lasquez fitted  out  an  expedition  to  supplant  Cortez.  'He' 
despatched  Pamphilo  de  Narvaez  to  Mexico  with  eighty 
horse,  eight  hundred  foot,  of  whom  eighty  were  musket- 
eers, a  hundred  and  twenty  cross-bowmen  and  12  pieces 
of  cannon.  He  landed  in  safety,  interested  the  natives 
in  his  favor  and  even  contrived  to  establish  a  secret  cor- 
respondence with  Montezuma,  who  regarded  him"  as  a 
deliverer.  Cortez  proposed  terms  of  compromise,  but 
they  were  rejected  with  scorn.  Cortez  then  marched 
against  Narvaez  with  two  hundred  and  fifty  men.  He  at- 
tacked the  position  of  Narvaez  in  the  dead  of  the  night, 
obtained  a  complete  victory  and  in  the  morning  the  new 
comers  laid  down  their  arms.  Narvaez  himself  was  taken 
and  thrown  into  fetters.  The  prisoners,  however,  were 
treated  with  kindness,  and  such  was  the  address  of  Cortez 
that  almost  all  of  them  were  induced  to  join  his  standard. 

But  during  the  absence  of  Cortez,  the  Mexicans  rose 
upon  the  Spanish  garrison  in  the  capital,  killed  and  woun- 
ded several  of  them,  destroyed  their  magazine  of  provis- 
ions and  burned  the  two  brigantines.  The  danger  of  their 
monarch  no  longer  restrained  them,  for  their  fury  wa». 
roused  to  the  utmost  pitch  by  an  unprovoked  massacre  of 

3 


I  ■ 

if 


li 


18 


CONQUEST    OP'  MEXICO. 


a  groat  number  of  their  people,  perpetrated  by  the  Span- 
iards at  a  rchgious  festival.  All  cried  aloud  for  ven- 
geance. Cortez  immediately  made  haste  towards  the 
city  with  his  troops  and  two  thousand  Tl  'lalans  and 
arrived  just  in  time  to  save  the  garrison  from  desiruction. 
Nevertheless,  the  natives  attacked  a  considerable  body 
of  the  Spaniards  in  the  market-place  and  defeated  them 
with  some  loss.  The  next  day  they  assaulted  the  Span- 
ish quarters  in  great  numbers,  in  the  most  heroic  man- 
ner. Though  the  artillery  mowed  them  down  like  grass, 
though  every  blow  of  sword  and  lance  fell  with  deadly 
effect  on  their  naked  bodies,  the  utmost  efforts  of  the 
invaders  were  scarcely  sufficient  to  withstand  them,  and 
they  only  retired  when  it  was  too  dark  to  fight  any  longer. 
The  next  day  Cortez  made  a  rally,  and  the  whole  day 
was  spent  in  mortal  comb.'it  in  the  s'treets.  Vast  num- 
bers of  the  natives  fell  and  a  part  of  the  city  was  burned. 
On  the  other  hand  the  Spaniards  were'  dreadfully  an- 
noyed by  showers  of  stones  and  arrows  f-om  the  house 
tops,  and  were  finally  compelled  to  retire  with  a  loss  of 
twelve  killed  and  sixty  wounded.  Another  sally  met 
with  the  same  success  and  the  general  himself  was 
slightly  wounded. 

Finding  that  he  had  underrated  the  Mexicans,  and 
that  he  could  no  longer  maintain  himself  in  their  capital, 
Cortez  bethought  himself  that  he  might  make  use  of 
Montezuma  to  overawe  his  subjects.  On  the  morrow, 
when  the  Indians  advanced  to  renc^w  the  attack,  he  pro- 
duced the  captive  king,  clad  in  the  robes  of  royalty, 
upon  the  battlements.  At  the  sight  of  their  sovereign, 
the  weapons  dropped  from  the  hands  of  the  Indians. 
But  the  discourse  he  addressed  to  them,  thougk  intend- 
ed to  sooth  and  persuade  them  to  peace,  only  served  to 
exasperate.  They  poured  in  such  a  volley  of  stones 
and  arrows  in  the  transport  of  their  indignation,  that  be- 
fore the  Spaniards  had  time  to  withdraw  or  defend  the 
unhappy  prince,  he  was  struck  by  two  darts,  and  by  a 
stone  in  the  temple.  Then,  struck  with  horror  at  their 
own  violence,  they  fled.  The  wounds  of  the  king  prov- 
ed mortal 


|- 


CONQUEST    OF    MEXICO. 


19 


B  Span- 
for  vcn- 
irds  the 
ms  and 
ruction, 
le  body 
cd  them 
«  Span- 
)ic  man- 
LC  grass, 
h  deadly 
s  of  tlie 
lem,  and 
y  longer, 
hole  day 
ast  num- 
}  burned. 
Ifully  an- 
he  house 
a  loss  of 
sally  met 
self  was 

tans,  and 
|r  capital, 


Cortcz  now  saw  that  a  retreat  was  necessary,  but  this 
was  not  easy.  Tlie  Indians  seized  a  high  tower  that 
overlooked  the  Spanish  quarters  and  thence  eo  annoyed 
the  Spaniards,  that  it  was  found  necessary  to  storm  it. 
Thrice  were  they  repulsed,  and  it  was  only  when  Cor- 
lez  headed  his  troops  in  person  that  the  Mexicans  were 
dislodged.  A  <lreadful  carnage  ensued,  the  natives  de- 
fending themselves  to  the  last  with  heroic  valor.  Two 
young  nobles  resolved  to  sacrifice  themselves,  so  that 
they  might  rid  their  native  land  of  its  arch  enemy. 
Tlioy  approached  Cortez  in  attitudes  of  submission, 
seized  him  and  endeavored  to  drag  him  with  themselves, 
from  the  summit.  In  the  very  act  of  falling,  the  Span- 
ish leader  shook  them  off,  and  the  gallant  youths  were 
dashed  to  pieces.  The  tower  being  destroyed,  the 
Spaniards  prepared  to  retreat. 

They  m:uche<l  out  upon  the  shortest  of  the  causeways 
before  mentioned  in  the  dead  of  the  night.  They  had 
proi)ared  a  portable  bridge,  by  which  to  cross  the  tra- 
verse cuts  in  it  and  placed  it  across  the  first  interstice. 
While  they  were  crossing,  the  Mexicans  hemmed  them 
in  and  attacked  (hem  on  every  side.  The  bridge  by 
some  means  bec;^me  fast  wedged  where  it  was  placed. 
All  j\Iexico  swarmed  to  the  slaughter.  Fresh  warriors 
instantly  filled  the  place  of  the  fallen.  Weary  of  car- 
nage, the  Spaniards  gave  way  before  the  multitude,  and 
tlie  confusion  was  soon  universal.  Horse  and  foot  offi- 
cers and  soldiers,  friends  and  enemies  were  intermingled 
in  mortal  struggle. 

Cortez,  with  a  few  followers,  forced  his  way  over  the 
two  remaining  breaches  in  the  causeway,  for  the  bodies 
of  the  slain  served  him  for  a  bridge.  Having  formed  his 
men  on  the  main  land,  he  returned  to  the  assistance  of 
the  main  body,  and  finally  succeeded  in  effecting  their 
retreat  and  his  own.  But  less  than  half  of  his  army  sur- 
vived the  liorrors  of  that  dreadful  night.  Velasquez  de 
Leon,  the  second  in  command,  perished.  All  the  artil- 
lery, amnmnition  and  baggage  and  the  greater  part  of 
the  horses  were  lost.  Two  thousand  of  the  Tlascalan 
allies  were  also  slain. 


** 


io 


CONQUEST    OF    MElICO. 


II 


I 


As  tho  Spaniards  retreated  toward  Tlnscala,  swarms 
of  the  natives  hung  upon  them  and  harrassed  thom  at 
every  step,  and  thirst  and  famine  threatened  to  finish 
what  the  sword  had  begun.  At  the  pass  of  Ottimba 
they  came  upon  tho  grand  Mexican  army  drawn  up  in 
Countless  myriads  to  oppose  their  passage.  Cortez 
alone  of  the  ^^hole  Spanish  army  did  not  despair  at  tho 
sight.  He  recollected  that  the  great  banner  of  the  em- 
pire was  always  carried  by  the  general,  and  that  its  fall 
was  considered  by  the  Mexicans  decisive  of  the  fate  of 
the  day.  Without  hesitation  he  led  his  men  to  the 
charge)  aiming  wholly  at  the  sacred  flag.  After  a  dcs- 
f>er'ate  conflict  he  slew  the  Indian  general  with  his  own 
hand,  the  banner  fell  and  the  countless  host  of  natives 
fled  in  dismay.  On  the  next  day  the  Spaniards  enter- 
ed the  Tlascalan  territories,  where  they  were  received 
with  the  greatest  kindness,  for  hatred  of  Mexico  was 
deeply  rooted  in  the  hearts  of  the  Tlascalans. 

It  is  inconsistent  with  the  plan  of  this  volume  to  re- 
late how  Cortez  quelled  mutinies  among  his  own.  troops, 
punished  some  disaffected  native  tribes  and  won  the  love 
and  confidence  of  others,  or  how  he  received  reinforce- 
ments from  the  Spanish  West-Indies.  Those  who  would 
have  a  minute  detail  of  his  proceedings  must  seek  it  in 
histories  of  greater  pretensions  than  this.  Suffice  it  that 
six  months  after  his  disastrous  retreat  he  again  set  out 
for  Mexico  with  five  hundred  and  fifty  infantry,  forty 
horse  and  ten  thousand  Tlascalans. 

Guatimozin,  nephew  of  Montezitma)  now  filled  the 
throne.  He  took  every  measure  that  wisdom  and  cour- 
age could  suggest  to  avert  the  storm  that  threatened 
him,  but  all  in  vain.  Cortez  did  not  venture  directly  to 
the  capital,  but  spent  three  months  in  reducing  the  neigh- 
boring towns  and  in  building  vessels  upon  the  lake  of 
Mexico.  The  inhabitants  of  many  of  them  threw  off" 
their  allegiance  and  joined  him.  What  was  of  more  im- 
portance a  reinforcement  reached  him  from  Hispaniola, 
consisting,  of  two  hundred  men,  eighty  horses,  two  heavy 
cannon  and  a  considerable  siipply  of  arms  and  ammuni- 
tion. He  now  laid  siege  to  Mexico,  cut  oft*  the  supplieo 
of  fresh  water,  and  by  means  of  his  fleet  no  straitened 


^. 


CONQUEST    OF    MEXICO. 


21 


nvarms 
h(jm  at 
>  finish 
)toinba 
n  up  in 

Cortcz 
r  at  the 
the  cin- 
t  its  fall 
!  fate  of 

to  the 
!!•  a  dcs- 
his  own 
'  natives 
Is  enter- 
received 
icico  was 

ne  to  rc- 

n*  troops, 

I  the  love 

einforce- 

lO  would 

eek  it  in 

c  it  that 

set  out 

y,  forty 

filed  the 
tnd  cour- 
Ireatened 
|rectly  to 
le  neigh- 
lake  of 
irew  off 
lore  ira- 
spaniola, 
;o  heavy 
imniuni- 
suppUea 
Lrait«nod 


the  Mexicans  that  the  rniporor  gave  orders  to  attack  it. 
The  natives  attempted  to  hoard  the  vessels  in  canoes, 
but  were  repulsed  with  immense  loss.  They  were  more 
fortunate  in  repelling  the  direct  attacks  of  the  invaders. 
The  natives  defended  themselves  with  the  most  desper- 
ate hravery.  For  more  than  a  month  by  night  and  by 
day,  by  land  and  by  water,  one  furious  conflict  succeed- 
ed another.  Several  of  the  Spaniards  were  slain,  all 
were  worn  out  by  hardship  and  privation.  Disconcerted 
at  the  obstina;y  of  the  natives,  Cortez  resolve<l  to  set 
the  fortune  of  the  war  on  the  hazard  of  one  furious  as- 
sault. It  was  unsuccessful.  His  troops  forced  their 
way  into  the  city  indeed,  but  it  was  only  to  be  driven 
out  again  by  the  infuriated  multitude.  The  rout  was 
complete.  Cortez  himself  was  dangerously  wounded 
and  nigh  being  taken.  Twenty  Spaniards  perished  in 
the  conflict  and  twenty  more  who  were  taken  prisoners 
were  sacrificed  to  the  Mexican  god  of  war  within  sight 
of  their  defeated  companions. 

Nevertheless  Cortez  persevered,  but  in  a  more  cau- 
tious manner.  He  advanced  slowly  upon  the  Mexicans, 
continually  gaining  ground  and  keeping  what  he  gained. 
Si  ill  they  defended  every  inch  of  the  ground,  though 
great  numbers  of  them  fell  daily  and  the  survivors  suf- 
fered sorely  from  hunger.  To  fill  up  the  cup  of  their 
misery  a  contagious  distemper  broke  out  among  them. 
Guatimozin  still  scorned  all  terms  of  capitulation. 

At  last  the  invaders  had  laid  three  fourths  of  the  city 
in  ruins  and  eflfected  a  secure  lodgment  in  the  centre  of 
it.'  The  remaining  quarter  was  hard  pressed.  Guati- 
mozin was  taken  in  an  attempt  to  escape  by  water.  He 
appeared  before  Cortez  with  great  dignity.  "  I  have 
done  what  became  a  king,"  said  he.  "  I  have  defend- 
ed my  people  to  the  last.  Nothing  now  remains  but  to 
die.  Take  this  dagger  (touching  the  one  the  Spaniard 
wore)  plant  it  in  my  breast  and  end  a  life  that  can  no 
longer  be  of  use." 

Resistance  was  now  over,  and  Mexico  was  fallen, 
after  a  siege  of  seventy-five  days.  The  Spaniards,  how- 
ever, were  disappointed  of  the  spoil  for  which  they  had 
contended  so  fiercely.     When  his  downfall  became  in- 


■  :3fc, 


f>1j 


t-0>QUEST    OF    MEXICO. 


rvifjiMe,  t\\r  Tiidi.'iii  cinpcror  Iind  onlcrcd  l<is  frojiHiiros 
(()  !k'  lhr«)wii  into  I  lie  lake.  'VUo  Tlast  iIjiiis  rnrri'jd  olV 
llio  ^Mrator  pjirt  of  the  ninniiiin^  -poil.  'I'lu;  siiiii 
<livi(l«!i!  I)V  \\w.  soldior.s  was  so  siikiII  iiinl  \\\vv  licciMUO 
Iiiulily  ('xasp<!rahHl  against  («uatinio/iii,  who  siill  rcfiis- 
<'(i  to  discover  ulii'ic  hu  had  hichli'U  his  trcasuro.  ICn- 
(.jatics  and  throats  were  alike  wasted  upon  him.  To 
pacify  his  hrut.id  foUow(M-K  the  niisercant  (.'orte/  put.  the 
unhappy  soverei«;n  and  his  chief  favorite  to  th(!  to  ii'.' 
wliich  llicy  I)ore  willi  inllexil)l(!  fortitnch',  ard  Cnaliy 
strclehed  them  upon  a  hed  of  hvin;;  coals.  ()vc:'Cv.mho 
hy  the  extreme  agony  his  fellow-sutfere.  turiit  <l  an  im- 
ploring eye  upon  the  monarch,  as  if  to  ask  pi miission  to 
rcv(Mil  all  he  knew.  The  royal  snlieier  understood  it 
and  scornfully  asivwd  "  Am  /on  a  k* d  of  n-ses  ?"  'I'hc 
rcproacJi  was  enough — the  favorite  was  silent  and  expir- 
ed. 'Vlui  monarch  himself  was  released  and  reserved 
for  other  indignities  and   sulferings. 

We  have  now  done  with  the  greatest  of  Indian  wars. 
It  presents  the  melan(;holy  s|)ectaclc  of  a  powerful 
empire  suhv'.ied,  a  whole  nation  decimated  and  thrown 
back  from  a  high  stale  of  civilization  into  harharism, 
and  a  puiadise  changed  into  a  den  of  hiight,  hdood  and 
desolation — a  hell  upon  earth  and  for  what  ?  To  grati- 
fy iha  lust,  avarice?,  bigotry  and  ferocity  of  a  han<lfiil  of 
vagabonds,  miscreants  ai:d  bloodhounds.  Have  mankind 
been  the  gainers  by  the  event.     ()  no  ! 

"  Fix'ctlnin  sluiekcd  when  Guutiinozin  fell/' 

May  that  bloodiest  page  in  the  book  of  History,  the 
conquest  of  Mexico  be  forevc*  !)lottcd  out.  Or  if  man 
-.  ,,  must  still  b  '  benelitted  by  ilio  •ceursed  '•e»"ord,  let  it 
¥\^remain.  Let  the  modern  '  i« .».;:  vi  blush  .is  he  reads 
the  crimes  of  his  countrymen.  Let  Cortcz  live  in  story, 
let  his  name  be  remembered,  but  only  to  be  mentioned 
with  abhoitence.  The  vagabond  cut-throat  who  knew 
no  law  but  that  of  the  strongest,  who  acknowledged  no 
Tight,  v/ho  resi)ected  no  tie,  who  possessed  no  virtue  or 
kindly  feeling,  the  invader,  the  robber,  the  niuiderer  by 
wholesale,  the  hypocrite,  the  monster,  may  well  serve 
as  a  beacon  of  everlasting  infamy  to  future  ages.     All 


C 


CONQUEST    OF     PEUfT. 


23 


oasnros 

lu)  sum 

II  rcfus- 
Kn- 
111.     To 
|mt.  t  la- 
te   l.tll"'    3 

1  lliiully 
vc:'Cv.'ii»o 
1  an  iiM' 
ission  to 
•stood  it 
?"  The 
u\  oxpir- 
rcservcd 

an  wnrs. 

|)o\vorfnl 

d  throuii 
harism, 
ood  and 
()  i^rati- 

nidi'nl  of 
mankind 


torv,  the 
>r  if  man 
rd,  ki  it 
le  reads 
in  story, 
entioncd 
ho  knew 
jclgod  no 


V n't  lie  or 

erer  l^y 
ell  serve 
es.     All 


m 


* 


liis  talents,  .-ill  l>is  fortitude,  nil  his  valor  arc  ni>ii(Hci«?iU 
to  wipe  oti?  llie  shnnie  of  the  least  of  his  artions. 

'ru.'ii  NVi  to  n  l»nghter  picture  ;  to  the  lir alhon  and 
harhaiitin  (Jiiaiiiiozin,  who  was  all  thai  (.'ort<  z  wm^riot. 
A  wise  slalesman,  a  true  (intriot,  a  skiifitl  ficiicitil  and 
a  heroic  Wivrrior.  lie  slew  none  unjustly,  he  rohhed 
none,  he  invad<'d  none,  he  oppi  <  «sed  none  Called  to 
the  helm  at  a  stormy  crisis,  he  did  noL  shrank  from  it, 
or  spare  to  oppose  his  nak<  <I  hreaKt  to  ihe  mail  clad 
Spaniards.  Ilis  spirit  never  failed  him,  not  even  in  tor- 
tures at  which  humanity  shudders.  'I  he  warrior  and 
pjitriot  luiif?  is  forgotten,  and  his  atrocion.s  oppressoi  i8 
reniemheied  with  admiration.    Such  is  human  perversiiy. 


.      THE  CONUUEST  OF  PERU. 

In  1524i,  three  extraordinary  men  liv(  <1  in  Panj  nia,  in 
New  S|)ain,  viz  :  Francisco  Pizarro,  Di.  <;ode  AIniajrro 
and  Hernando  Luque.  Pizarro  was  a  bastard,  and  iii 
early  life  a  swine  herd,  after  which  he  hc<  ame  a  soldier 
He  was  a  v(M*y  brav(»  man,  but  so  igiioranr  that  he  could 
neither  write  nor  read.  Ahnagro  was  a  foundling,  ami 
a  soldier  also.  He  was  a  man  of  intrepid  valor,"great 
activity  and  likewise  of  an  o|)en  and  generous  character  ; 
but  he  lacked  the  craft  and  cunning  ol'  Pizarro.  Litque 
was  a  priest  and  school-master,  and  very  rich  withal. 
All  of  them  had  heard  of  a  great  and  lich  country  on 
the  shore  of  the  S'outh  Sea,  and  they  agreed  *o  attenii>t 
I  lie  conquest  of  it.  Pi/arro  engaged  to  coi  imand  the 
•liinament,  Ahnagro  otfered  to  conduct  the  su;«plies  and 
reinforcements,  and  liUcpie  contributed  his  gold.  The 
agreement  was  ratified  by  a  solemn  mass,  and  they  en- 
tered into  a  contract  to  commit  rapine  and  murder  in  the 
name  of  the  Prince  of  Peace. 

Small  .were  the  means  with  which  this  grei.t  enter- 
\n'\7.v  was  undertaken.  Pizarro  set  sail  in  a  sn.all  ves- 
sel, with  only  a  hun<lred  and  twelve  men.  Contrary 
wnids  kept  him  beuting  about  seventy-two  days,  during 
which  his  scjmty  hand  suffered  much  from  hunger, 
fatigue  and  frequent  rencontres  with  the  natives.     He 


^•#1 


24, 


CONQUEST    OF    PERU. 


was  at  last  oblij^ed  to  retire  to  Chuchama,  where  he  was 
overtaken  by  Ahrmirro,  with  seventy  men,  who  liad  suf- 
fered as  much,  and  f'oni  tlie  same  causes,  as  the  follow- 
ers of  Pizarro.  Almagro  himstlf  had  lost  an  eye,  in  a 
contest  with  the  natives.  After  the  meeting,  Almagro 
returned  to  Panama  to  recruit,  but  with  all  his  exertions, 
he  could  only  raise  eighty  men.  With  this  small  rein- 
forcement the  adventurers  landed  at  Tacamez,  on  the 
coast  of  Quito,  where  they  found  the  natives  clad  in 
cotton,  and  adorned  with  trinkets  of  gold  and  silver. 
They  dared  not,  however,  with  their  small  force,  invade 
so  populous  a  country,  and  retired  to  the  island  of  (lallo. 
Here  an  order  from  the  governor  of  Panama  reached 
them  ;  commanding  the  expedition  to  return.  So  much 
had  the  private  men  suffered,"  that  they  were  very  wil- 
ling to  obey.  Pizarro  drew  a  line  in  the  sand  with  his 
sword,  and  having  declared  that  all  who  wished  to  leave 
him  were  permitted  to  do  so,  found  himself  left  with  only 
thirteen  soldiers. 

This  small  band  established  themselves  in  the  island 
of  Gorgona,  till  at  last  they  were  joined  by  a  small  rein-' 
forcement  from  Panama.  They  then  stood  to  the-south 
east,  and  in  twenty  days  touched  on  the  coast  of  Peru. 
At  Tumbez,  a  place  of  some  note,  they  first  obtained 
an  idea  of  the  magnificence  of  the  Peruvian  empire. 
They  beheld  a  thickly  peopled  country,  well  cultivated, 
the  natives  decentlv  clothed,  and  frirther  advanced  in 
civilization  than  the  inhabitxmts  of  Mexico.  They  had 
even  domestic  animals.  But  what  chiefly  attracted  their 
eyes,  was  the  profusion  of  gold  and  silver.  Not  only 
were  the  people  decorated  with  these  metals,  but  even 
their  common  culinary  utensils  were  formed  of  them. 

Pizarro  ranged  along  the  coast,  keeping  up  a  peacea- 
ble intercourse  with  the  natives,  for  he  was  not  strong 
enough  to  attack  them.  He  procured  some  of  their 
Lamas,  or  tame  cattle,  some  vessels  of  gold  and  silver 
and  two  young  men,  who,  he  intended  should  serve  him 
as  interpreters,  and  so  returned  to  Panama,  after  an  ab- 
sence of  about  tliree  years.  Hence  he  repaired  to  Spain, 
where  he  had  the  address  to  secure  the  favor  of  the 
court.     Luque  was  nominated  bishop  of  the  country  to 


\ 


CONQUEST    OF    PERU. 


25 


re  he  was 

had  suf- 
le  follovv- 
eye,  in  a 

Ahnagro 
exertions, 
nail  rein- 
;z,  on  the 
;s  clad  in 
nd  silver, 
ce,  invade 
lofGallo. 
la  reached 
So  much 
J  very  wil- 
id  with  his 
ed  to  leave 
X  with  only 

i  the  island 
small  rein-' 
the-south 
t  of  Peru. 
t  obtained 
m  empire. 
Icullivated, 
Ivanced   in 
They  had 
[acted  their 
Not  only 
i,  but  even 
)f  them, 
a  peacea- 
|iiot  strong 
le  of  their 
and  silver 
serve  him 
Ifter  an  ab- 
\\  to  Spain, 
ivor  of  the 
[country  to 


be  conquered,  Almagro  only  obtained  the  command  of 
Tumbez,  and  Pizarro  was  appointed  Governor  and 
Captain- General,  with  supreme  civil  and  military  au- 
thority. In  return,  he  engaged  to  raise  two  hundred 
and  fifty  men,  and  to  provide  ships,  arms  and  all  things 
necessary  for  the  conquest  of  Peru. 

Small  as  the  number  of  men  he  had  engaged  to  raise 
and  supply  was,  it  was  with  great  ditficulty  that  Pizar- 
ro got  together  tho  half  of  them  ;  and  that  only  by  the 
aid   of  Cortez.     With   these,    however,    he  landed  at 
Nombre  de  Dios  and  marched  to  Panama,  accompanied 
by  his  three  brothers.    On  his  arrival,  he  found  Almagro 
so  exasperated  at  his  conduct,   that  he  refused  to  act 
longer  in  concert  with  him,  and  was  endeavoring  to  get 
a  new  enterprize  on  foot,  to  thwart  and  rival  him,  for  he 
justly  considered  that  Pizarro  had  engrossed  to  himself 
all  the  honors,  and  had  left  him  but  a  very  humble  part 
to  play.     Thus  will  thieves  quarrel  for  their  booty,  even 
before  it  is  won.  *  The  cunning  of  Pizarro,  however, 
soon   brought   about    a  reconciliation.      Nevertheless, 
their    united    endeavors    could  only  equip  three  small 
vessels  and  a  hundred  and  eighty  soldiers,  thirty  six  of 
whom  were  horsemen.    -Leaving  Almagro  at  Panama, 
Pizarro  landed  his   handful  of  troops  in  the  north  of 
Peru  in  thirteen  days,  and  immediately  marched  south- 
ward.    It  would  be  of  little  avail  to  recount  the  wanton 
outrages  committed  by  him  and  his  followers  on  the 
harmless  Peruvians.     At  length,  after  much  suffering, 
they  reached  the  province  of  Coaque,  and,  having  taken 
the  principal  settlement  of  the  natives  by  surprise,  they 
found  themselves  in  possession  of  gold  and  silver  to  the 
value  of  thirty  thousand  pesos  and  other  booty  of  great 
value. 

Pizarro  hardly  met  with  resistance  till  he  reached  the 
island  of  Puna,  in  the  bay  of  Guyaquil ;  where  the  in- 
habitants defended  themselves  so  bravely,  that  it  cost 
him  six  months'  exertion  to  reduce  them.  Thence  he 
pr()cc(>(le(l  to  Tumbez,  where  the  sickness  of  his  troops 
coMipollod  him  to  remain  three  months. 

In  tiie  mean  while  two  reinforcements,  amounting  to- 
gether to  ihirly  men,  under  two  leaders  of  great  experiT 

1 


k 


% 


86 


CONQUEST    OF    PERU. 


ence  and  reputation,  joined  him  from  Nicaragua.  With 
this  accession  of  strength,  he  proceeded  to  the  river 
Piura  and  there  founded  St.  Michael,  the  first  Spanish 
settlement  in  Peru.  As  he  advanced  toward  the  centre 
of  the  empire,  he  became  better  informed  concerning  its 
affairs.  At  this  time  the  dominions  of  the  Incas  extend- 
ed fifteen  hundred  miles  along  the  coast  of  the  Pacific  ; 
while  its  breadth  was  much  less  considerable.  The  sove- 
reigns, called  Incas,  were  revered  as  persons  of  divine 
origin,  and  ruled  with  despotic  sway.  Their  blood  was 
deemed  too  pure  to  be  mingled  with  that  of  any  other 
race  and  others  were  treated  with  respect  almost  amount- 
ing to  adoration.  Nevertheless,  they  were  of  a  gentle 
and  benevolent  disposition  and  ruled  for  the  good  of  their 
subjects.  At  the  first  coming  of  the  Spaniards,  Huara 
Capoc  sat  upon  the  throne.  He  was  distinguished  no 
less  for  military  talent  than  for  the  pacific  virtues  of  his 
race.  He  had  subdued  the  kingdom  of  Quito,  by  force 
of  arms,  resided  in  its  capital,  and  contrary  to  the  cus- 
toms of  his  country,  married  the  daughter  of  the  van 
quished  monarch.  Atahualpa,  his  son,  succeeded  to  his 
throne  and  his  authority  ;  soon  to  be  despoiled  of  both 
by  Pizarro. 

Nevertheless,  his  title  was  disputed  by  his  elder  broth- 
er Huascar,  who  solicited  the  aid  of  the  Spaniards,  to 
whom  this  civil  broil  gave  a  manifest  advantage.  Piz- 
arro left  a  small  garrison  in  St.  Michael,  and  marched 
against  Atahualpa  with  sixty-two  Mbrsemen  and  a  hun- 
dred and  two  infantry,  of  whom  twenty  were  armed  with 
cross-bows  and  three  with  muskets.  To  an  envoy  of 
Atahualpa,  who  met  him  with  a  valuable  present,  and 
an  offer  of  the  Inca's  friendship,  he  pretended  that  he 
came  as  an  ambassador  from  a  powerful  monarch,  tc 
offer  the  Peruvian  prince  aid  against  the  enemies  who 
disputed  his  title.  These  professions,  probably,  induc- 
ed the  Peruvians  to  suffer  the  invaders  to  advance  with- 
out molestation  to  Caxamalca  ;  where  they  took  pos- 
session of  a  fort  and  intrenched  themselves.  Here  too, 
the  Inca  sent  them  new  presents,  and  renewed  his  prof- 
fers of  friendship. 


Hi 


V 


CONQUEST    OP    PERU. 


27 


I.  With 
he  river 
Spanish 
e  centre 
rning  its 
s  ext  end- 
Pacific  ; 
rhe  sove- 
of  divine 
lood  was 
iny  other 
:  amount- 
a  gentle 
d  of  their 
Is,  Huara 
uished  no 
ues  of  his 
,  by  force 
o'  the  cus- 
f  the  van 
'ded  to  his 
of  both 

cr  broth- 
niards,  to 

ge.     Piz- 

marched 
nd  a  hun- 
rmcd  v^'ith 
envoy  of 
cscnt,  and 
d  that  he 
Bonarch,  tc 
mics  who 
ly,  induc- 
mce  with- 
took  pos- 
Here  too, 
his  prgf- 


In  Caxamalca  Pizarro  tookpossession  of  a  large  court, 
on  one  side  of  which  was  a  palace  of  the  Inca,  and  on 
the  other  a  temple  of  the  god  of  the  Peruvians,  the 
Sun.  The  whole  was  surrounded  by  a  strong  rampart 
of  earth.  Thus  posted,  he  despatched  Hernando  Soto 
and  his  brother  Ferdinand  to  the  Inca's  camp.  Their 
embassy  brought  on  a  visit  from  Atahualpa  to  the  mes- 
sengers of  his  wicked  invaders.  It  was  an  unhappy 
courtesy  :  the  splendour  of  the  Inca,  and  the  riches  dis- 
played by  his  attendants  served  greatly  to  inflame  the 
worst  passions  of  the  ravenous  thieves  to  whom  he  de- 
signed to  do  honor.  From  the  moment  when,  on  their 
return  to  Caxamalca,  they  related  what  they  had  seen, 
Pizarro  resolved  to  gei  possession  of  the  person  of  the 
unhappy  monarch. 

He  availed  himself  of  a  promised  visit  from  Atahual- 
pa to  execute  this  treacherous  design.  He  divided  his 
cavalry  into  three  squadrons,  and  formed  his  infantry  in 
one  body,  excepting  twenty  picked  men  whom  he  kept 
about  his  own  person.  The  artillery  and  the  cross-bow 
men  were  stationed  opposite  the  avenue  by  which  the 
Inca  was  to  approach. 

Early  on  that  fatal,  morning  the  Peruvian  camp  was 
in  motion  ;  but  as  the  Inca  wished  to  appear  in  all  his 
splendor,  it  was  late  in  the  day  before  he  began  his 
march.  At  last,  he  approached.  First  appeared  four 
hundred  men,  and  then  the  monarch,  upon  a  throne 
adorned  with  plumes,  and  almost  covered  with  plates  of 
gold  and  silver  and  precious  stones,  carried  on  the 
shoulders  of  his  attendants.  Then  came  the  principal 
officers  of  his  court  and  several  bands  of  singers  and 
dancers,  and  the  whole  plain  was  covered  with  the  Pe- 
ruvian troops,  amounting  to  upwards  of  thirty  thousand 
men. 

As  the  Inca  drew  nigh,  the  Spanish  chaplain,  Val- 
verde,  stepped  forward  with  a  crucifix  and  a  breviary, 
and  explained  to  him,  as  well  as  he  was  able,  the  fall  of 
Adam,  the  atonement  of  Christ  and  the  right  of  the  king 
of  Castile  to  the  New  World.  In  consequence  of  all 
this,  he  desired  Atahualpa  to  embrace  Christianity,  and 
to  acknowledge  the  spiritual  and  temporal  jurisdiction 


A 
.,.1    ... 


2S 


CONQUEST    OF    PERU. 


1: 


of  the  Pope  and  the  king  of  Castile,  promising  him  the 
protection  of  the  Spanish  Monarch  if  he  compHed,  and 
threatening  him  with  war  in  case  of  a  refusal. 

Of  course,  this  strange  harrangue  was  incomprehen- 
Bible  to  the  Inca,  but  its  arrogance  he  understood,  and 
was  indignant  at  it.  He  replied  that  his  authority  was 
his  by  inheritance,  and  that  he  could  not  conceive  how 
a  foreign  priest  could  dispose  of  what  did  not  belong  to 
him.  He  had  no  inclination^  he  said,  to  renounce  the 
religion  of  his  fathers  in  order  to  worship  the  god  of  the 
Spaniards  who  was  subject  to  death  ;  and  as  to  the  oth- 
er particulars  of  the  priest's  discourse,  he  desired  to 
know  where  he  had  learned  such  extraordinary  things. 
*'  In  this  book,"  said  Valvcrde,  offering  him  his  brevi- 
ary. The  Inca  put  it  to  his  ear,  and  then  threw  it  dis- 
dainfully on  the  ground.  *'  It  is  silent,"  said  he  ;  "  it 
tells  me  nothing."  "  To  arms.  Christians,  to  arms  ! " 
cried  the  enraged  priest.  **  The  word  of  God  is  insulted. 
Avenge  the  profanation  on  these  impious  dogs."  Pizar- 
ro  instantly  gave  the  signal  of  assault.  The  music 
Btf uck  up,  the  cannon  and  musketry  began  to  play,  and 
the  horse  and  infantry  charged  the  Peruvians  sword  in 
hand.  The  natives  fled  in  the  utmost  consternation, 
'without  attempting  either  to  annoy  the  enemy  or  to  de- 
fend themselves,  so  much  were  they  surprised  and  amaz- 
ed. .Pizarro,  with  his  chosen  band,  i^de  directly  to- 
ward the  Inca ;  and  notwithstanding  the  resistance  of 
his  nobles,  who  fell  in  heaps  around  him,  made  him  a 
prisoner.  Dire  was  the  carnage  then  :  it  did  not  cease 
till  the  close  of  day.  More  than  four  thousand  Peruvi- 
ans were  slain  ;  but  not  a  single  Spaniard  fell.  The 
plunder  was  immense. 

At  first  the  captive  monarch  could  scarcely  rejdfze 
the  misery  of  his  condition,  but  despair  was  not  long  in 
coming  and  he  sunk  into  profound  dejection.  He 
had  however,  discovered  the  ruling  passion  of  the  Span- 
iards, the  lust  of  gold.  He  attempted  to  bribe  them. 
The  apartment  in  which  he  was  confined  was  twenty- 
two  feet  long  and  sixteen  broad.  He  undertook  to  fill 
it  as  high  as  he  could  reach  with  vessels  of  gold,  as  a  ran- 
som.    Pizarro  eagerly  accepted  this  tempting  proposal. 


CONQUEST    or    PERU. 


m 


him  the 
led,  and 

iprehen- 
)od,  and 
rity  was 
ive  how 
elong  to 
mce  the 
3d  of  the 
>  the  oth- 
jsired  to 
f  things.   • 
lis  brevi- 
3W  it  dis- 
he  ;   "  it 
)  arms  !" 
insulted. 
"  Pizar- 
le  music 
play,  and 
sword  in 
crnation, 
or  to  de- 
nd  amaz- 
[rectly  to- 
tance  of 
[le  him  a 
lot  cease 
Peruvi- 
an.    The 

|y  reah'ze 

)t  long  in 

1.        He 

[he  Span- 

Ihe  them. 

twenty- 

^ok  to  till 

las  a  ran- 

)roposal. 


it. 


The  Inca's  subjects  obeyed  his  orders  with  the  utmost 
alacrity.  The  gold  was  obtained  and  shared,  and  each 
individual  Spaniard  was  rich.  The  Inca  having  fulfilled 
his  part  of  the  agreement,  insisted  on  having  his  free- 
dom ;  but  nothing  was  farther  from  the  thoughts  of  Piz- 
arro.  The  followers  of  Almagro  insisted  upon  putting 
the  captive  king  to  death,  and  the  tidings  of  Peruvian 
armies  assembling  in  the  borders  of  the  empire  aroused 
his  fears  and  suspicions,  and  rendered  him  more  willing 
to  comply  with  their  wishes.  Atahualpa  inadvertently 
contributed  to  hasten  his  own  fate.  He  justly  admired 
the  arts  of  reading  and  writing,  and  long  deliberated 
with  himself  whether  it  was  a  natural  or  an  acquired 
ability.  To  solve  this  doubt,  he  desired  one  of  the 
Spanish  soldiers  to  write  the  name  of  God  on  his  thumb 
nail.  This  he  shewed  to  several  Spaniards,  and,  to  his 
amazement,  they  all  returned  the  same  answer,  without 
hesitation.  When  he  shewed  it  to.  Pizarro,  however, 
the  marauding  leader  was  obliged,  with  blushes  and 
confusion,  to  acknowledge  his  ignorance.  From  that 
moment  Atahualpa  despised  him,  and  could  not  conceal 
his  contempt.  This  scorn  stung  Pizarro  to  the  quick, 
and  the  Inca's  fate  was  sealed.  * 

But  to  give  his  abominable  proceedings  the  colour  of 
justice,  Pizarro  determined  to  li*y  the  Inca  with  all  the 
formalities  of  the  courts  of  Spain.  He  himself  and  Al- 
niagro,  with  two  assistants,  were  the  judges.  Before 
this  unrighteous  tribunal  the  unhappy  Inca  was  charg- 
ed with  being  a  bastard  and  an  idolater,  with  having 
usurped  the  regal  power,  with  having  commanded  human 
sacrifices,  with  having  many  concubines,  with  having 
embezzled  the  royal  treasures,  and  with  having  incited 
his  subjects  to  take  up  arms  against  the  Spaniards.  On 
these  absurd  charges  the  Court  found  the  Inca  guilty, 
and  sentenced  him  to  be  burned  alive.  His  tears  and 
entreaties  were  alike  unavailing  ;  pity  never  touched 
the  heart  of  Pizarro.  He  ordered  the  prince  to  imme- 
diate execution,  and  what  added  to  the  bitterness  of  his 
last  moments,  Valvcrde  offered  to  console  and  to  con- 
vert him.  The  most  powerful  argument  he  could  ad- 
vance, however,   was  a  mitigation  of  punishment ;  but 


.» i 


30 


CONQUEST    OP    PERU. 


that  was  cfiectual.  The  unhappy  monarch  consented 
to  receive  Cliristian  haptism,  and  instead  of  heing  hurn- 
ed,  was  stran^hul  at  the  stake. 

On  tlie  death  of  Atalnuilpa,  Pizarro  invested  one  of 
his  sons  with  the  ensi«]fns  of  royahy.  The?  p<H)ple  of 
Cuzco,  however,  acknowhulged  a  brother  of  the  deceas- 
c  1  Inca  as  their  sovereign.  Mat  neither  of  them,  pos- 
sessed mucli  authority.  Connnotions  arose  in  every 
quarter,  and  all  Peru  became  a  scene  of  Idoodshed,  in- 
surrection and  disorder,  all  of  which  the  Spaniards  be- 
held with  pleasure,  as  it  favored  their  designs.  Ambi- 
tious men  in  dilferent  parts  of  the  empire  aspired  to  in- 
di;pendent  authority,  and  usurped  jurisdiction.  Th(5 
general  who  conunandcd  for  Atahualpa  in  Quito  seized 
Fiis  master's  brother  and  children,  put  them  to  death  and 
endeavored  to  establish  a  kingdom  for  himself 

The  report  of  the  riches  won  by  Pizarro  drew  flocks 
of  adventurers  to  his  standard  from  the  different  Spanish 
colonics,  so  that  he  was  able  to  march  upon  Cuzco  at 
the  head  of  five  hundred  men,  after  leaving  garrisons 
behind  him.  Large  bodies  of  Peruvians  had  assembled 
to  oppose  him  ;  but,  as  usujil,  they  were  defeated  with 
great  loss,  while  but  very  few  of  the  Spaniards  were 
killed  and  wounded.  Pizarro  gained  possession  of 
Cuzco,  and  of  an  immense  spoil. 

In  the  mean  while  Benalcazar,  governor  of  St.  Mi- 
chael, led  a  body  of  Spaniards  against  the  city  of  Quito, 
where;  as  report  said,  an  uniieard  of  treasure  was  de- 
posited. Notwithstanding  tiie  grea{  distance  of  that 
place  from  St.  Michael,  and  the  ditliculty  of  traversing 
a  mountainous  and  woody  country,  where  he  was  con- 
tinually exposed  to  the  attacks  of  the  bravest  of  the  Pe- 
ruvians, his  valor  and  good  conduct  surmounted  every 
dilHculty,  and  he  entered  Quito  with  his  troops — only 
to  meet  with  a  disappointment.  The  Indians  had  now 
learned  the  ruling  passion  of  their  invaders,  and  had  car- 
ried ofl' their  treasures  with  them. 

Dissensions,  now  that  the  conquest  of  Peru  was 
achieved,  broke  out  among  the  invaders.  Almagro  had 
been  appointed  governor,  with  jurisdiction  over  two 
Inmdred   leagues   of  territory,    strjBtching    beyond  the 


CONQUEST    OF    PERU. 


31 


onscnted 
ng  burn- 

d  one  of 
•eopio  oC 
0  (locoas- 
iciii,  pos- 
in  every 
shed,  in- 
iurds  be- 
Ambi- 
red  to  iii- 
n.      Tb»i 
ito  seized 
ileatb  and 

ew  flocks 
t  Spanish 
Cuzco  at 
garrisons 
issembled 
atcd  with 
rds  were 
ssion   of 

St.  Mi- 
>f  duito, 
was  de- 
of  that 
Iraversing 
Iwas  con- 
Ifthe  Pe- 
led  every 
|ps— only 
had  now 
had  car- 

feru  was 
isro  had 
)ver  two 
rond  the 


southern  hniits  of  the  province  allotfed  to  Pizarro.  Ho 
now  protend(Ml  that  Cuzco,  tlie  residence  of  the  Incas, 
was  within  his  l)oundaries,  and  attiunpted  to  heconio 
uh-istcr  of  it.  Juan  and  Gonzalo  Pizarro  opposed  liim. 
Tiie  ilispute  was  al)out  to  b(;  (U;ci<led  by  tiie  sword  when 
l<^'ancis<',o  Pizarro  arrived  and  Jui  arrangement  took 
|)Iace.  It  was  agreed  that  Ahnagro  sliould  fittempt  the 
con<piest  of  C/hiii,  and  in  case  h(;  did  not  fuid  an  estab-> 
hshinent  agreeable  to  his  wishes  in  tliat  province,  a  suit- 
able provision  was  to  be  made  for  him  in  Peru  on  his 
return.  The  history  of  the  conquest  of  that  unhappy 
enii)ire  is  now  complete — Init  p(;rhaps  a  brief  account 
of  the  fate  of  its  ruthless  inviiders  may  not  be  unaccept-» 
able  to  the  reader.  • 

The  hardy  natives  of  Chili  resisted  Aimagro  success- 
fully, and  besides,  many  of  his  followers  perished  of  the 
fatigues  of  the  march.  In  the  meanwhile  new  swjirms 
of  Spaniards  poured  into  Peru,  and  in  full  confidence  of 
security,  scattered  tlniinselves  over  the  empire.  A  small 
force  only  remained  in  Cuzco,  under  Juan  and  Gonza-* 
lez  Pizarro  and  their  brother,  which  the  Inca  observing, 
conceived  that  the  time  for  vengeance  was  come.  Ho 
set  up  the  banner  of  war,  and  all  Peru  was  instantly  in 
arms.  Many  Spanish  settlers  were  massacred,  and  ^ev- 
er.ll  detachments  were  cut  off.  Two  hundred  thousand 
Indians  invested  Cuzco,  which  was  feebly  defended  by 
its  garrison,  during  nine  months.  Another  army  attack-, 
ed  Lima,  and  the  extinction  of  the  Spanish  name  in 
Peru  seemed  at  hand.  While  these  things  were  going 
on,  and  just  after  Juan  Pizarro  had  been  slain,  Aima- 
gro suddenly  returned  from  Chili  and  entered  into  ne- 
gociations  with  both  parties.  These  were  interrupted 
by  a  sudden  attack  made  on  him  by  the  Inca,  who  wa.s 
however  defeated,  and  Aimagro  reached  the  gates  of 
f  Cuzco,  Vt'hich  he  entered  by  surprize,  seized  the  two 
Pizarros  and  established  his  jurisdiction. 

Shortly  after  the  Pizarro  party  again  made  head 
against  him,  and  were  defeated.  Had  he  now  put  his 
enemies  to  death,  as  he  was  advised  to  do,  the  contest 
would  have  been  ended,  but  this  he  had  not  the  heart  to 
do,   and  gave  Francis  Pizarro  time  to  raise  forces  anew. 


32 


CONQUEST    OP    PERU. 


He  was  also  weak  enough  again  to  enter  into  llt%6tia- 
tions  with  this  arch  enemy.  While  these  were  in  pro- 
cess one  of  the  brother  prisoners  managed  to  corrupt 
sixty  of  his  guards  and  made  his  escape  with  them.  .The 
other  was  soon  after  set  at  liberty  by  Almagro,  and  as 
soon  as  this  was  done,  Francig  Pizarro  threw  off  all  dis- 
guise. Treaties  were  held  in  scorn  and  Pizarro  march- 
ed upon  Cuzco  with  seven  hundred  men.  Battle  was 
joined.  Almagro,  being  at  the  time  sick,  was  obliged 
to  depute  the  command  to  a  subordinate  officer,  and  de- 
feat was  the  consequence.  A  large  proportion  of  Al- 
magro's  followers  were  butchered  in  cold  blood,  when 
the  battle  was  over.  The  chief  himself  was  taken,  and 
rigorously  guarded.     Cuzco  itself  was  sacked. 

Almagro  remaining  several  months  in  close  custody, 
his  spirit  was  at  last  broken.  When  a  sentence  of  death 
was  pronounced  upon  him,  he  had  recourse  to  the  most 
abject  entreaties  to  save  himself.  He  reminded  the 
Pizarros  of  their  former  friendship,  of  his  having  spared 
their  lives  under  great  provocation,  and  conjured  them 
to  spare  his  age  and  infirmity.  All  was  unavtiiling — he 
was  strangled  in  prison,  a  fate  he  well  deserved  for  his 
outrages  upon  Peru,  but  not  at  the  hands  of  the  Pi- 
zarros.    He  left  a  natural  son,  by  an  Indian  woman. 

The  first  intelligence  of  these  transactions  was  carri- 
ed to  Spain  by  some  of  Almagro's  officers,  and  created 
a  strong  sensation,  which  Francis  Pizarro,  who  shortly 
followed  them,  could  not  remove.  It  was  determined 
to  send  a  person  to  Peru,  who  should  settle  the  distract- 
ed state  of  affairs,  and  the  royal  choice  fell  upon  Chris- 
toval  Vaca  dc  Castro,  an  eminent,  learned  and  wise 
civilian.  If  he  found  Pizarro  alive,  he  was  to  leave  him 
in  possession  of  his  office  of  governor,  taking  on  himself 
that  of  judge;  if  dead,  he  was  to  be  his  successor.  Be- 
fore he  arrived  liowcver,  the  governor  had  parcelled  out 
the  empire  among  his  followers,  with  small  regard  to  the 
claims  of  the  adherents  of  Almagro,  who,  therefore,  med- 
itated revenge.  They  gathered  at  Lima,  under  the  au- 
spices of  the  young  Almagro,  and  cons})ired  against  the 
governor's  life.  Pizarro  gave  little  heed  to  their  cabals. 
"  As  long  as  every  man  in  Peru  knows  that  his  life  is 


CONQUKST    or     PERU. 


3^1 


e  in  pro- 
)  corrupt 
em..  The 
),  and  as 
ff  all  dis- 
•o  march- 
lattlc  was 
IS  obliged 
r,  and  dc- 
on  of  Al- 
>od,  when 
taken,  and 

I. 

le  custody, 
ce  of  death 
o  the  most 
ninded  the 
nng  spared 
jured  them 
vailing — he 
ved  for  his 
of  the  Pi- 
woman, 
was  carri- 
ed created 
;ho  shortly 
determined 
lie  distract- 
ipon  Chris- 
ll  and  wise 
o  leave  him 
on  himself 
'ssor.     Be- 
[irccllcd  out 
aard  to  the 
cforc,  mcd- 
idcr  the  au- 
aijainst  the 
Ihcir  cabals. 
Lt  his  life  is 


entirely  in  my  power,"  said  ho,  "  my  hfc  is  in  no  dan- 
ger." He  was  n^istakcn.  At  noon-dfiy,  on  the  2Gth  of 
June,  nineteen  of  tlie  most  determined  conspirators  sal- 
lied out  of  Almagro's  house  in  complete  armour  shout- 
ing "  Long  live  the  king,  and  lot  the  tyrant  die  !"  They 
gained  Pizarro's  palace  without  being  observed,  and 
were  mounting  the  stairs  leading  to  his  apartment  before 
the  alarm  was  given.  But  no  danger  could  appal  the 
savage  governor.  He  called  for  arms  and  commanded 
an  otHcer  in  attendance  to  make  fast  the  door.  Instead 
of  doing  this,  the  bewildered  functionary  ran  out  and 
asked  the  conspirators  where  they  were  going.  They 
stabhed  him  to  the  heart  and  burst  in.  Some  of  those 
[)rescnt  sprang  from  the  windows,  others  attempted  to 
fly,  and  a  few  drew  their  swords  and  followed  Pizarro 
into  another  apartment.  The  governor  himself  defend- 
ed the  entrance  with  his  sword  and  target  and  fought 
with  the  utmost  desperation,  but  in  vain.  His  defend- 
ers fell  one  after  another,  and  after  having  fought  till  he 
was  so  weary  that  he  could  scarce  wield  his  sword, 
Pizarro  shared  their  fate.  The  assassins  then  ran  into 
the  street,  ami  waving  their  bloody  weapons,  proclaimed 
his  death.  Two  hundred  of  their  associates  conducted 
Almagro  in  solemn  procession  through  the  streets  and 
compelled  the  magistrates  to  acknowledge  him  as  gov- 
ernor. The  palace  of  Pizarro  and  the  houses  of  his 
adherents  were  pillaged. 

Such  was  the  death  of  the  conqueror  of  Peru,  9  man 
in  whose  character  the  most  partial  eye  can  discern  no 
one  good  quality,  unless  the  most  savage  ferocity  be  so 
considered,  and  whose  leading  points  were  lust  of  blood, 
gold  and  ambition.  The  history  of  the  world,  probably, 
cannot  shew  a  man  so  utterly  wicked  and  detestable, 
not  even  Hernando  Cortez,  who  had  at  least  religious 
fanaticism  to  palliate  his  atrocities.  As  he  lived  so  he 
died,  a  meuionto  of  depravity  to  the  very  last. 

Of  the  inferior  actors  in  tliis  bloody  drama  few  words 
need  be  said.  In  a  long  series  of  rebellions  and  tur- 
moils, which  merit  as  little  attention,  but  for  their  re- 
sults, as  tlie  quarrels  of  wolves,  they  perished.  Almagro 
Ibll  in  hultlc  aoalnst    Vaca  de  Castro.     Gonzalo  Piz-r 


*o^ 


ai 


Till:     NATC'IIES. 


I 


nrro,  bcinp  in  likrwiso  dofrnlod  cunl  taken  in  the  net  of 
open  reboiiion  l)v  (iascn,  tin;  royal  governor  who  suc- 
cccdod  to  tho  autixnity  of  Dt;  ('aHtro,  diod  by  \hv,  band 
of  tbo  cxoculioiHT,  to«j;<'tb«M*  witli  Ills  principal  followers. 
These  eo- workers  in  ini<piity  beinjj;  Hvve|)t  off,  the  no  less 
unjust  authority  of  Spain  was  firmly  establislH>d,  and  the 
rightful  lords  of  the  soil,  the  feeble  bodied  and  inindcd 
aborigines  of  Peru,  hav(^  ever  since  j^roaned  under  tbo 
yoke  of  the  stranj^er,  as  they  probabjy  will  do  for  cen- 
turies to  conic. 


TIIK  NATCIIES. 

LiTTE  is  known  of  this  interest im/r  people.  In  the 
onrly  part  of  (he  eijj[hteenth  century  tlunr  principal  set- 
tb*rnent  was  nt'ar  Natches  on  the  Mississippi,  (hen  a 
French  military  post,  and  connnanded  by  i>ionsieur  do 
Chopart.  Their  chief  was  called  the  Cilrand  Sun.  His 
broth'er,  called  ihe  Stnnjjj  Serpent,  was  a  famous  war- 
rior, and  both  were  very  friendly  disposed  toward  tho 
whites  till  the  cruel  injusiico  anti  oppr<'ssiou  of  l)e 
Chopart  forced  the  tribe  into  a  war.  Tiio  affair  hap- 
pened in  1729. 

The  French  conunander  had  determined  to  build  a 
village,  and  no  spol  appeared  to  him  so  fit  for  his  pur- 
pose, as  the  principal  seat  of  the  Natches,  called  by  them 
White  Apj)le,  which  he  j)eremptorily  required  them  to 
vacate.  (» rand  Sun  answered  that  4t  was  their  inheri- 
tance, and  he  therefore  thouj^ht  it  but  reasonable  that 
they  sliould  still  retain  it.  The  fiery  Frenchman  assur- 
ed him  that,  unless  he  complied,  he  should  have  cause 
for  repentance;  upon  wiiich  the  chief  retired,  saying 
that  he  would  take  the  advice  of  his  counsellors. 

The  council  resolved  to  lay  before  De  Chopart  a  rep- 
resentation of  the  hardship  of  the  case,  should  they 
lose  the  harvests  on  which  they  mainly  relied  for  sub- 
sistence. Vehemeiu  abuse  and  a  reiterated  conuiiand  to 
depart  instantly  was  the  answer  they  received.  The 
Natches,  justly  indigiunit  at  such  treatment,  then  enter- 
ed into  a  conspiracy  to  destroy  their  invaders  and  to 


THE    NATCIIES. 


tcmporizo  in  order  to  frn'in  liruc.  To  this  end  tlicy  of- 
frrod  to  |)iiy  Irilnito  to  liu;  (■oiiiinniidant,  on  condition 
(hat  lie  would  siilU;r  ihoni  toTcniain  till  tlioy  could  leath- 
er their  harvest,  which  oiler  was  readily  accepted.  In 
the  mean  while,  messages  were  sent  to  the  Huns,  or 
chiefs  of  the  otjier  hranclu's  of  thetrihe,  inviting  them  to 
assist  in  the  massacre  of  the  l*'rench,  and  appointing  a 
day.  Acconlin^ly,  the  slau^hmr  took  jilace  and  the 
Fr(»nch  p(;rishe<l,  to  the  innnher  of  sev(!n  liundred, 
though  not  for  want  of  suflicient  warning. 

A  woman  who  was  nnich  attached  to  the  whites,  nnd 
had  learned  the  scjcret  of  tlu;  conspiracy,  ^ave  timely  in- 
formation to  the  commandant,  who  was,  however,  so 
cni^rossed  hy  his  own  arrofjance  and  folly  that  he  paid 
no  regard  to  lu^r.  He  even  threatened  to  punish  any  of 
his  own  people  if  they  j^ave  credit  to  such  reports,  and 
actually  put  seven  of  them  in  irons.  To  fill  the  meas- 
ure of  his  presumption,  he  sent  a  messenger  to  the 
Grand  Sun  himself,  to  ask  at  what  time  he  intended  to 
make  the  aitack.  Of  course,  the  chief  denied  having 
any  hostile  intention,  and  thcrchy  conlirmed  Dc  Chopart 
in  his  stupid  dishelief 

The  fJOth  of  Novemher,  heing  the  Eve  of  the  fete  of 
St.  Andrew  and  a  season  of  festivity,  afforded  the 
Natches  a  favourable  opportunity  to  attack.  The  whites 
at  Natches  were  cut  off  to  a  man.  T)e  Chopart  him- 
self was  slain  witH  a  wooden  weapon,  hy  a  person  con- 
sidered the  meanest  in  the  tribe,  according  to  the  direc- 
tion of  the  chiefs,  who  despised  him  so  much  for  his 
military  incapacity  that  they  held  him  unworthy  to  die 
a  warrior's  death  or  by  a  warrior's  hand. 

It  had  been  the  intention  of  the  chiefs  to  drive  the 
French  entirely  out  of  Louisiana ;  but  the  refusal  of 
several  of  the  tribes  to  join  in  the  conspiracy  hindered 
the  accomplishment  of  their  design.  They  were  even  un- 
able to  secure  themselves  against  a  terrible  retaliation. 
The  people  of  New-Orleans,  together  with  about  fifteen 
hundred  Choctaws,  took  the  field  against  them,  and 
encamped  before  the  fort  at  Natches,  then  in  possession  % 
of  the  Grand  Sun.  A  treaty  of  peace  was  concluded 
between  the  parties,  of  which  the  terms  were  very  hon- 


do 


LANMNO    OP    OUR    FOUE  FATHERS. 


orahlo  to  (lu;  Nnhlus  ;  hut  those,  heinj?  probably  np- 
prch('nsiv«»  of  soiih'  iiitciKlcd  trcacbory,  broke  up  tlujir 
camp  in  the  ni^lit,  crossed  the  Mississippi,  aiul  setthMl 
about  a  hundred  an<l  eijjhty  niihs  above  tlie  Red  lliver, 
\vher«  tliey  buih  a  fort  and  remained  uinnoleste<l  nenrly 
a  year,  the  colony  not  havinp;  foj'ce  Huliici<>nt  to  atlaeli 
them.  However,  troops  werc^  sent  over  from  I'Vanco 
nnd  they  were  invested  i:i  their  fort.  In  two  desi)erate 
fiaUics  which  tliey  made,  tliey  W(>re  si«j;nal!y  repulsed  and 
moat  of  them  ahiin.  'V\w,  b'rencli  tlien  opened  a  mortar 
battery  upon  them..  Tiie  third  sliell  tire<l  burst injr  in 
the  midst  of  tlu;  fort  occasioned  ^reat  consternation 
among  the  survivors,  and  tin^  capituhited.  They  were 
taken  to  Ncw-Orknnis,  where  an  infection  broke  out 
among  them.  What  became  of  the  nuni  is  not  known  ' 
they  were  probably  put  to  death.  The  women  and  chil- 
dren were  employed  as  slaves  on  the  royal  plantations 
till  it  was  found  convenient  to  send  them  to  St.  Domin- 
go, where  they  were  sold,  and  thus  the  Natches  became 
extinct. 

In  regarding;  the  fate  of  this  unfortunate  tribe  but  one 
cause  for  satisfaction  presents  itself,  namely,  that  our 
pilgrim  fathers  cannot  justly  be  reproached  for  malt reat- 
hient  of  the  aborigines  by  either  Spaniard  or  French- 
men. If  they  warred  on  .and  oppressed  the  natives  on 
slight  pretences,  and  sold  prisoners  of  war  into  slav(»ry, 
we  have  at  least  the  poor  consolation,  that  others  have 
practised  the  same  enormities,  on  a  larger  scale. 

Little  more  can  be  said  of  the  Natches  but  that  they 
are  supposed  to  have  been  nnich  farther  advanced  irk 
civilization  than  any  tribe  north  of  JMexico.  They  bad 
permanent  dwellings,  an  organized  priesthood  and  gov- 
ernment, some  idea  ofthe  rights  of  property  and  depended 
mainly  on  agriculture  for  subsistence.  When  this  is 
said  all  is  said. 


I 


ly  ap- 
>  tlioir 
settled 

llivcr, 

iM'arly 
sittacU 
I'Vmuc 
spcrato 
sj'd  arul     ^ 
mortar 

ilinsj;  ii» 
»rnation 
oy  were 
•oko  out 
known  ' 
iiul  v\\\\- 
iiitalions 
Donnn- 
i  b(»camc 

but  ono 
hat  our 
naUrcat- 
Vroncli- 
atives  on 
slav(^ry, 
icrs  have 
c. 

that  they 
anced  in 
rhey  luul 
and  gov- 
Impended 
n  this  is 


LANDIXCi  OF  OIIIl  FOR  RFA  TTniRS. 

It  is  a  singular  fact,  that  a  scarcli  lor  ^M)I(I  was  one  if 
'iotth<;  chici'of  th(!  nioiivcs  of  all  liu!  early  advcnlurers 
who  persued  carreer  of  discovery  in  both  North  and 
South  America,  with  almost  the  o\i\y  exception  of  the 
pilgrims,  as  tiny  an^  called.  We  have  it  on  rtM'ord  that 
the  precious  metal  was  supposed  to  exist  on  the  ic<'-hound 
shore  of  Davis'  Straits,  and  that  a  cargo  of  yellow  san<l 
was  carried  to  lOngland  for  cluMnical  analyzation.  ICx- 
ploration  was,  howev<'r,  carried  on  with  i)y  no  means  so 
nnich  zeal  in  tin;  clinn-s  which  presented  litth;  hopn  of  a 
golden  reward,  as  in  tln^  mort;  inviting  regions  of  the 
South.  A  nobler  motive  than  lust  o!'  gain  was  rtMiuircMl 
I  to  people  the  comparatively  sterile  shores  of  New-I'lng- 
■f  land.  From  thetinn^  that  ('abot  found  the  way  to  North 
/imerica  (in  I  l.J)7)  till  a  century  after,  few  attem[)ts  were 
made  to  explore,  nmcli  less  to  coloni/e.  Sir  Francis 
Drake,  indeed, (knighted  ibr  deeds  for  which  he  ought  to 
have  been  hanged)  gained  some  knowledge  of  the  west  and 
eastern  shores  of  the  Northern  half  of  the  New  World  ; 
but  his  object  was  plunder  not  knowledge.  Sir  Walter 
Tlaleigh  was  the  lirst  navigator  who  made  a  decided 
attempt  at  exploration,  who  gave  tlie  land  a  name  and 
settled  a  colony. 

Cohmization,  as  a  system,  was  at  that  time  no  pftrt  of 
the  concern  of  the  English  govt^nnnent.  The  lands  which 
oidy,  it  was  held,  the  li^nglisii  had  a  right  to  settle,  afford- 
ed no  prospect  of  great  and  immediate  gain.  An  incentive 
for  emigration  was  foimd,  however  in  the  then  existing 
political  state  of  things.  England  had  just  thrown  off  the 
yoke  of  Rome;  but  the  discipline  of  the  Roman  Church 
was  not  at  the  same  time  abandoned.  The  spirit  of  re- 
ligion and  of  fanaticism  were  both  wide  awake.  A  dis- 
sent from  the  Anglican  church  was  held  as  great  an  of- 
fence as  an  adherence  to  that  of  Rome,  and  was  punisha- 
ble bylaw.  This, of  course,  was  a  very  serious  annoyance; 
nay,  an  intolerable  oppression,  by  various  sects  then  call- 
ed into  existence  by  the  awakened  spirit  of  inquiry. 

Among  these  sects  was  one  which  differed  less  from  the 
Episcopal  Church  tlian  the  others,  and  were  accordingly 


l! 


38 


LANDING    OF    OUR    FOREFATHERS. 


persecuted  more  as  we  uniformly  find  that  a  slight  dif- 
ference between  friends  kindleth  a  greater  fire  than  a  total 
difference  between  strangers.  These  were  the  Puritan, 
who  refused  to  comply  with  the  forms  of  Episcopacy, 
though  they  professed  its  spirit. 

In  the  year  of  our  Lord  1610,  a  small  congregation  of 
these  harmless,  but  persecuted  sectaries,  being  the  flock 
of  a  Mr.  Robinson,  emigrated  to  Holland  and  settled  at 
Leyden,  in  order  that  they  might  worship  God  accord- 
ing to  the  dictates  of  their  own  consciences.  Here  they 
continued  todwell  about  10  years  ;  but  did  not  find  their 
expectations  wholly  realized.  The  ecclesiastical  laws  of 
the  land,indeed,neither  sanctioned  nor  condemned  them, 
or  any  other  Christian  sect,  but  then  they  made  no  con- 
verts. The  Dutch  gave  them  a  hospitable  reception  and 
treated  them  with  much  kindness  and  respect,  but  could 
by  no  means  be  prevailed  onto  conform  to  their  mode  of 
worshiper  renounce  their  own  principles,  which  the  Eng- 
lish conceived  to  be  incompatible  with  the  Christian 
character.  The  little  sect,  therefore,  fell  fast  into  decay. 
Within  the  ten  years  of  their  residence  in  Holland,  they 
lost  half  their  number  from  deaths  and  returns  to  Eng- 
land. Their  worldly  affairs,  too,  did  not  prosper;  for 
all  of  which  reason  the  remaining  few  determined  to 
seek  a  country  where  their  own  belief  should  be  para- 
mount,and  where  theprospect  of  their  children  would  be 
better.  New-England  was  the  Canaan  they  proposed  to 
settle  themselves  in,  and  they  found  no  difficulty  in  pro- 
curing a  royal  grant  of  a  large  tract  of  land. 

Here,  whatever  their  descendants  inay  have  done  after 
them,  they  did  not  expect  to  Rmass  wealth  or  intend  to 
drive  out  the  natives  ;  but  to  live  unmolested,  by  honest 
industry,  and  to  cultivate  justice  and  friendship  with  the 
Indians.  After  a  day  or  two  set  apart  for  solemn 
humihation  before  God  and  religious  exercises,  it  was 
resolved  that  a  part  of  the  congregation  should  sail  to 
America,  whither,  if  they  found  t^e  prospect  favorable, 
the  rest  should  soon  follow  them. 

They  purchased  two  small  ships  and  repaired  to  Ply- 
mouth, in  England,  whence  it  was  proposed  to  set  forth. 
On  the   fifth  of  August  1620,  they  were  affectionately 


/■ 


LANDING    OP    OUR    FOllEFATHERS. 


39i 


commended  to  the  holy  protection  of  Divine  Providence 
by  tlieir  pious  pastor,  and  took  leave  of  the  Old  World 
forever. 

For  twenty  days  their  voyaging  was  as  favorable  as 
could  be  expected  ;  but  on  the  twenty-first  a  tremend- 
ous gale  threatened  them  with  destruction.  It  lasted 
three  days,  every  moment  of  which  they  looked  for  in- 
stant death.  Nevertheless  the  vessels  did  not  part 
company,  but  when  the  tempest  was  over,  one  of  them 
was  so  shattered  as  to  be  deemed  incapable  of  making 
the  voyage.  She  was  therefore  abandoned  by  her  pas- 
sengers, who  were  received  on  board  the  other 

After  a  passage  of  more  than  three  months,  on  the  me- 
morable 10th  of  Nov.  1620,they,to  their  great  joy  made 
Cape  Cod,  where  they  landed  without  difficulty  the  next 
day.  Although,  if  it  may  be  said  without  profanity,  the 
prospect  before  them  presented  little  to  be  thankful  for, 
they  did  not  fail  to  return  thanks  for  their  safe  arrival. 
Their  situation  was  nevertheless  deplorable.  Winter  was 
sitting  in  :  they  were  on  a  bleak,  inhospitable  and  per- 
haps hostile  shore,  and  howling  wilderness  before  them, 
and  no  friend  to  receive,  or  house  to  shelter  them. 

Having  found  a  harbour  where  their  ship  might  ride 
in  safety,  ten  of  the  most  resolute  of  the  party  set  out 
to  explore  the  country,  and  discover,  if  they  could,  a 
suitable  spot  for  a  settlement.  They  had  not  proceeded 
more  than  a  league  into  the  woods  when  they  met  a 
party  of  five  Indians,  the  first  of  any  the  company  had 
ever  looked  upon.  They  were  clud  in  skins  and  armed 
with  bows  and  arrows.  Though  the  English  made  signs 
of  friendship,  the  natives  fled  in  the  utmost  consterna- 
tion as  soon  as  they  perceived  them.  They  had  good 
reason  for  their  fears  :  the  crew  of  an  English  ship  had 
carried  two  of  their  fellows  forcibly  into  slavery  two  or 
three  years  before. 

On  the  approach  of  night  the  little  party  encamped, 
or  rather  bivouacked  ;  not  forgetting  to  set  a  strict 
watch.  In  the  morning  they  resumed  their  march, follow- 
ing the  tracts  of  the  Indians  aforesaid,  in  hopes  of  com^ 
ing  to  their  village  and  of  procuring  a  supply  of  fresh 
provisions,  which  the  party  much  needed,  after  so  long 


40 


LANDING    OF    OUR    FOllEFATHERS. 


I 


a  voyage.  They  did  not  succeed  in  this,  but  ahout  noon 
they  arrived  at  a  space  of  cleared  ground  with  several 
Httle  hillocks,  which  they  supposed  to  be  graves,  which, 
however  were  not.  There  was  also  a  great  quantity  of 
stubble,  several  planks  and  a  smnll  earthen  pot,  all  of 
which  appeared  to  be  signs  of  rccont  habitation.  A  lit- 
tle farther  on  they  found  more  of  the  abovesaid  hillocks, 
and,  opening  them,  found  that  they  contained  something 
more  savory  than  dead  bodies,  namely,  considerable 
quantities  of  maize,  or  Indian  corn.  It  was  the  first 
they  had  ever  seen,  and  appeared  to  them  a  curiosity. 
Some  of  them,  after  tasting  were  for  leaving  it  as  it  was, 
as  worthless,  but  on  the  whole  they  concluded  to  take 
it  to  their  ship. 

On  finding  their  way  back,  which  they  had  some  dif- 
ficulty in  doing,  they  were  received  with  much  satisfac- 
tion. They  shewed  the  grain  and  recommended  the 
place  where  they  had  found  it,  as  suitable  for  a  winter 
habitation.  In  pursuance  of  this  advice,  the  whole  com- 
pany proceeded  to  the  spot  on  the  twenty-fifth.  They 
called  it  New  Plymouth,  in  remembrance  of  the  port 
from  which  they  had  sailed,  and  concluded  to  abide 
there  for  the  winter.  The  first  care,  being  a  matter  of 
necessity,  was  to  erect  a  few  temporary  huts  ;  the  next 
was  to  erect  themselves  into  a  body  politic,  by  a  solemn 
combination.  This  took  place  on  the  tenth  of  Decem- 
ber. They  prescribed  to  themselves  such  a  government 
and  laws  as  they  judged  right  and  equitable,  and  bound 
themselves  to  it  by  the  following  instrument. 

"  In  the  name  of  God,  amen.  We,  whose  names 
are  underwritten,  the  loyal  subjects  of  our  dread  sove- 
reign, King  James,  by  the  grace  of  God,. King  of  Great 
Britain,  France  and  Ireland,  and  defender  of  the  faith, 
&c.  having  undertaken  for  the  glory  of  God,  advance- 
ment of  the  Christian  faith,  and  the  honor  of  our 
king  and  country,  a  voyage  to  phiut  the  first  colony  in 
the  north  parts  of  America,  do  by  these  presents  sol- 
emnly and  mutually,  in  the  presence  of  God,  and  one 
another,  covenant  and  combine  ourselves  together  into 
a  civil  ])ody  politic,  for  our  own  convenience  and  the 
preservation    and  support  of  the  ends   aforesaid  ;  and 


:i 


LANDING    OF    OUR    FOREFATHERS. 


41 


by  virtue  hereof,  do  enact,  constitute  and  frame  such 
just  and  equal  laws,  ordinances,  acts,  constitutions  and 
officers,  from  time  to  time,  as  shall  be  thought  most 
meet  and  convenient  for  the  general  good  of  the  colo- 
ny, unto  which  we  promise  all  due  submission  and 
obedience.  In  witness  whereof  we  have  hereunto  sub- 
scribed our  names,  at  New  Plymouth,  on  the  10th  day 
of  December,  A.  D.  1620." 


John  Carver, 
William  Bradford, 
Edward  Winslow, 
William  Brewster, 
Isaac  Allerton, 
Miles  Standish, 
Joseph  Fletcher, 
John  Goodman, 
Samuel  Fuller, 
Christopher  Martin, 
William  White, 
Richard  Warren, 
John  Rowland, 
Stephen  Hopkins, 
Digery  Priest, 
Thomas  Williams, 
Gilbert  IVinslow, 
Edmund  Morgeson, 
•^Peter  Brown, 


John  Alden, 
John  Turner, 
Francis  Eaton, 
James  Chilton, 
John  CraKton, 
John  Billington, 
Richard  Bitteridge, 
George  Soule, 
Edward  Tilley, 
John  Tilley, 
Thomas  Rogers, 
Thomas  Tinker, 
John  Ridgdale, 
Edward  Fuller, 
Richard  Clarke, 
Richard  Gardiner, 
John  Allerton, 
Thomas  English," 
Edward  Leister. 


'!' John  Carver  was  then  elected  governor  for  one  year 
by  ballot.  .^^ 

On  the  nineteenth  of  December,  Mrs.  Susannah,  wife 
of  Mr.  William  White,  was  delivered  of  the  first  child 
ever  born  of  white  parents  in  New-England.  These  * 
small  matters  have  been  considered  of  some  importance 
on  account  of  the  circumstances  in  which  they  happen- 
ed ;  and  therefore  it  is  that  they  are  mentioned. 

Oh  the  twenty-third  of  the  same  month  a  second  par- 
ty of  thirteen  persons  was  despatched  in  quest  of  dis- 
'covcries. 

As  they  were  making  the  circuit  of  the  deep  bay  of 
Cape  Cod,  they  discovered  a  large  party  of  natives  on 
shore,  employed  in  cuttinj^   up  a  lis!i  like  q^  grampus. 

G 


4 


ife 


!i 


'*. 


42 


LANDING    OP    OUR    FOREFATHERS. 


They  immediately  put  on  shore,  but  were  no  sooner 
discovered  by  the  Indians  than  the  latter  fled,  with  pre- 
cipitiition  and  alarm.  The  English  took  possession  of  the 
fish,  and  resolved  to  encamp  near  it  for  the  night.  They 
had  hardly  discovered  that  their  acquisition  was  excellei.t 
food  and  set  about  erecting  a  temporary  shelter,  when 
they  were  saluted  with  a  shower  of  arrows.  Receiving 
so  unceremonious  an  attack  they  were  about  to  flee  to 
their  boat  when  their  leader,  Governor  Carver,  a  man 
of  much  courage  and  experience  exhorted  them  to  shew 
a  firm  front,  and  maintain  their  ground,  as  a  precipitate 
flight  was  almost  certain  to  be  their  destruction.  He 
also  despatched  two  or  three  for  the  arms,  which  had 
imprudently  been  left  in  the  boat,  and  the  whole  body 
then  moved  slowly  toward  the  shore,  in  close  order.  If 
too  hard  pushed,  the  governor  directed  them  to  face 
about  and  fire  upon  the  savages.  Perceiving  the  Eng- 
lish retiring,  the  Indians  took  courage  and  vigorously 
assailed  them  with  clubs,  stones,  hatchets,  &c.  upon 
which  the  former  obeyed  their  orders  and  three  or  four 
of  the  Indians  fell.  Utterly  disconcerted  by  so  (to  them) 
amazing  a  repulse,  and  at  the  extraordinary  wounds  of 
their  brethren,  they  gave  a  yell  that  might  have  been 
heard  three  miles  and  fled  in  every  direction.  •  This  "was 
perhaps  the  first  time  the  report  of  a  gun  had  been  heard 
in  New-England. 

The  English  immediately  returned  to  Plymouth  with- 
out having  made  any  important  discoveries,  and  as  it 
was  not  thought  probable  that  any  woul4  be  made  dur- 
ing that  season,  the  whole  company  concluded  to  re- 
main where  they  were  till  spring.  The  winter  proved 
uncommonly  long  and  severe,  and  the  hardships  and  suf- 
ferings of  the  pilgrims  were  great.  The  clams  and  shell 
fish  they  picked  up  on  the  sea  shore  were  their  staple 
article  of  subsistence.  Little  accustomed  to  such  a 
mode  of  life,  many  of  them  perished,  and  it  would  have 
gone  hard  with  the  few  survivors  had  the  natives  attack- 
ed them.  Two  circumstances  prevented  this.  A  year 
or  two  before  an  epidemic,  supposed  to  have  been  the 
small  pox,  had  feariully  thinned  their  numbers,  and  be- 
sides they  hud  had  terrible  proof  ol'  the  efficacy  of  fire 


LANDING    OF    OUR    FOREFATHERS 


43 


with- 
as  it 
dur- 


ycar 
len  the 

1(1  l)C- 

A'  fire 


arms.  Though  they  were  daily  seen,  not  one  of  them 
ventured  within  gun-shot  of  the  settlement,  till,  on  the 
twentieth  day  of  March  following,  the  English  were  not 
a  little  surprised  at  seeing  a  single  native  walk  boldly 
into  the  middle  of  their  village  and  at  hearing  him  ad- 
dress them  in  broken  English.  They  learned  from  him 
that  he  came  from  the  eastern  shore,  where  he  had  had 
intercourse  with  certain  fishermen,  from  whom  he  had 
acquired  some  words  of  English.  He  gave  them  other 
information  of  more  importance,  concerning  the  state 
of  the  country,  the  number  of  the  natives,  &c.  They 
now  learned  that  they  were  living  on  the  lands  of  a  chief 
named  Massasoit,  whose  village  was  at  a  great  distance. 

Samoset,  for  so  was  this  Indian  named,  was  dismiss- 
ed with  presents  and  friendly  assurances.  The  next 
day  he  returned  with  his  chief  Massasoit  and  a  number 
of  his  followers.  He  was  a  very  robust  middle  aged 
man,  of  grave  countenance  and  spare  of  speech.  He 
wore  beads  around  his  neck  and  smoked  tobacco  and 
his  head  .and  his  face  were  painted  and  oiled.  During 
his  visit  he  evinced  much  fear  and  trembling,  but  no 
lack  of  good  faith.  Nevertheless  a  treaty  was  conclud- 
ed with  him,  and  it  was  agreed  that  the  English  and 
Indians  should  live  amicably  together.  Whatever  pro- 
visions the  Indians  were  willing  to  part  with,  were  to 
be  fairly  paid  for  by  the  wh  ^  es,  and  as  long  as  Massa- 
soit lived,  the  conditions  wei  o  faithfully  fulfilled  on  both 
sides.  The  chief  seems  to  have  been  a  most  estimable 
man.  Though  he  had  been  brave  and  successful  in  war 
he  was  ever  the  advocate  of  peace.  He  was  just,  hu- 
mane and  beneficent ;  true  to  his  word  and  in  every  re- 
spect an  honest  man.  His  territories  were  large  and 
his  power  and  influence  great.  His  death  was  regret- 
ted alike  by  whites  and  Indians. 

In  the  spring  of  1621,  the  English  made  their  first 
plantations.  About  two  months  after  Governor  Carver 
died ;  a  great  loss  to  the  colony.  His  wife  followed 
him  to  the  grave  in  a  few  weeks.  Mr.  William  Brad- 
ford was  appointed  to  fulfil  the  vacancy  occasioned  by 
the  death  of  Governor  Carver. 


I'.'. 


44 


LANDING    OF    OUR    FOREFATHERS. 


New-England  from  this  time  began  to  be  rapidly 
peopled  by  the  Europeans.  So  great  wa»  the  einigra- 
tion  from  the  mother  country,  that  in  less  than  six  years 
from  the  lime  that  the  first  adventurers  landed  at  New 
Plymouth,  there  were  seven  considerable  towns  built 
and  settled  in  Massachusetts. 

In  the  summer  of  lG27,Mr.  Endicott,one  of  the  orig- 
inal planters,  was  sent  over  to  begin  the  plantation  at 
Naumkeag,  (now  Salem.)  The  June  following  about 
200  persons,  furnished  with  four  ministers,  now  came 
over  and  joined  Mr.  Endicott's  colony  ;  and  the  next 
year  they  formed  themselves  into  a  regular  church. 
This  was  the  first  church  gathered  in  Massachusetts, 
and  the  second  in  New-England.  The  church  at  Ply- 
mouth had  been  gathered  eight  years  before.  In  1629, 
a  large  embarkation  was  projected  by  the  company  in 
England.  At  the  request  of  a  number  of  res- 
pectable gentlemen,  most  of  whom  afterwards  came 
over  to  Nevv^-England,  the  general  consent  of  the  com- 
pany was  obtained,  that  the  government  should  be  trans- 
ferred and  settled  in  Massachusetts. 

In  1630,  seventeen  ships  from  different  ports  in  Eng- 
land, arrived  at  Massachusetts,  with  more  than  1500 
passengers,  among  whom  were  many  persons  of  dis- 
tinction. Incredible  were  the  hardships  they  endured. 
Reduced  to  a  scanty  pittance  of  provisions,  and  that  of 
a  kind  to  which  they  had  not  been  accustomed,  numbers 
sickened  and  died,  so  that  before  the  end  of  the  year 
they  had  lost  200  of  their  number.  About  this  time 
settlements  were  made  at  Charlestown,  Medford,  Bos- 
ton, Dorchester,  Cambridge  and  Roxbury. 

In  the  years  1632  and  1633,  great  additions  were 
made  to  the  colony.  Such  was  the  rage  for  emigration 
to  New-England,  that  the  King  and  counsel  thought  fit 
to  issue  an  order  February  7,  1633,  to  prevent  it.  The 
order,  however  was  not  strictly  obeyed. 

In  1635,the  foundation  of  a  new  colony  was  laid  in 
Connecticut,  adjoining  this  state.  Of  this  river  and  the 
country  adjacent  Lord  Say  and  Lord  Brook  were  the 
proprietors  ;  and  at  the  mouth  of  it  a  fort  by  their  di- 
rection was  built,  which   in  ho"or  to  them  was  called 


LANDING    OP    OUR    FOREFATHERS. 


45 


1500 
f  dis- 

ured. 

at  of 
ibers 
year 
time 
Bos- 
were 

ration 

[ht  fit 
The 

lid  in 
^dthe 
:e  the 
di- 
;alled 


Saybrook  fort.  New-Haven  was  settled  soon  after  the 
building  of  this  fort,  as  was  a  number  of  other  towns 
of  considerable  note  in  Connecticut.  Some  difficulty 
arising  among  those  who  first  settled  at  New  Plymouth, 
a  part  of  the  inhabitants,  to  prevent  any  serious  conse- 
quences, removed  to  a  pleasant  and  fertile  island  to  the 
south  west  of  Cape  Cod,  now  called  Rhode  Island, 
while  others  settled  at  Providence,  Warwick,  Taunton, 
Slc.  Thus  it  was  that  in  the  course  of  a  few  years  a 
great  part  of  N.  England,  v/hich  so  late  was  an  unculti- 
vated foi  1st,  resounding  with  yells  of  savages  and  beasts 
of  prey,  oecame  the  place  of  abode  of  our  persecuted 
forefathers. 

But  this  newly  settled  country  was  not  to  be  acquired 
without  bloodshed.  The  natives,  although  they  at  first 
appeared  harmless  and  well  disposed  toward  the  new 
settlers, from  the  rapid  increase  and  two  frequent  aggres- 
sion of  the  latter,  jealousy  of  the  former  was  excited, 
which  they  soon  began  more  openly  to  manifest  as  will 
appear  by  what  follows. 


H> 


.,.'&jt 


t 


V 

1 


i 


'i 


'^^'■- 


CHAP.      I. 

COMMENCEMENT  OF  HOSTILITIES 
f  WITH  THE  NATIVES. 

There  was  a  tribe  of  Indiana,  inhabiting  the  borders 
of  Connecticut  river  from  its  nioutli  to  witiiin  a  few 
nriilcs  of  Hartford,  called  Pequots,  fierce,  cruel  and 

J      warlike,   and  the  inveterate  enemies  of  the  whites  ; 

I  -'  never  failing  to  improve  every  opportunity  to  exercise 
toward  thenn  the  most  wanton  acts  of  barbarity.  In 
June,  1631i,  they  treacherously  murdered  Capt.  Stone 
and  Capt.  Norton,  who  had  been  long  in  the  habit  of 
visiting  tljiem  occasionally  to  trade.  In  August,  1G35, 
they  inhumanly  murdered  a  Mr.  Weeks  and  his  whole 
family,  consisting  of  a  wife, and  six  children,  and  soon 
after  murdered  the  wife  and  children  of  a  Mr.  Williams, 
residing  near  Hartford.  Finding,  however,  that,  by 
their  unprovoked  acts  of  barbarity,  they  had  enkindled 
the  resentment  of  the  English,  who,  aroused  to  a  sense 
of  their  danger,  were  making  preparations  to  extermi- 
nate this  cruel  tribe,  the  Pequots  despatched  messengers 
with  gifts  to  the  governor  of  the  colonies,  the  Hoii. 
Josiah  Winslow.  He  being,  however,  indexible  in  his 
determination  to  revenge  the  death  of  his  friends,  dis- 
missed these  messengers  without  any  answer.  The 
Pequots,  finding  the  English  resolute  and  determined, 
and  fearing  the  consequences  of  their  resentment,  the 
second  time  despatched  messengers  with  a  large  quan- 
tity of  wampum  as  a  present  to  the  governor  and  coun- 
cil ;  with  whom  the  latter  had  a  considerable  conference, 
and  at  length  concluded  a  peace  on  the  following  terms : 


m 


ARTICLES. 

I.  The  Pequots  shall  deliver  up  to-  the  English 
those  of  their  tribe  guilty  of  the  deaths  of  their  coim- 
tfymen. 


48 


INDIAN    WARS. 


I; 


II 


II.  The  Pcquots  shall  relinquish  to  the  English  all 
their  right  4ind  title  to  lands  lying  within  the  colony  of 
Connecticut. 

III.  The  English,  if  disposed  to  trade  with  the 
Pcquots,  shall  bo  treated  as  friends. 

To  these  articles  the  Pequots  readily  agreed,  and 
promised  fathfully  to  adhere,  and  at  the  same  time 
expressed  u  desire  to  make  peace  with  the  Narragansett 
Indians,  with  whom  they  were  then  at  war. 

Soon  after  the  conclusion  of  peace  with  the  Pequots, 
the  EnglisJi,  to  put  tluiir  fair  promises  to  the  test,  sent 
a  small  boat  into  the  river,  on  the  borders  of  which  they 
resided,  with  the  pretence  of  trade ;  but  so  great  was 
the  treachery  of  the. natives,  that,  Jifter  succeeding  by 
fair  promises  in  enticing  the  crew  of  the  boat  on  shore, 
they  were  inliumaniy  murdered. 

The  Pcqiiols,  despairing  of  again  deceiving  the  Eng- 
lish in  the  niGniior  they  had  lately  done,  now  threw  off  the 
mask  of  friendship,  and  avowing  themselves  the  natural 
enemies  of  the  English,  commenced  open  hostilities, 
and  barbarously  murdering  all  that  were  so  unfortunate 
as  to  fall  into  their  hands.  A  few  families  were  at  this 
time  settled  at  or  near  Weathersfield,  Ct.  the  whole  of 
whom  were  carried  away  captives.  Two  girls,  daugh- 
ters of  Mr.  Gibbons  of  Hartford,  were  in  the  most 
brutal  manner  put  to  death.  After  gashing  their  tiesli 
with  their  knives,  the  Indians  filled  their  wounds  vvi;h 
hot  embers,  in  the  mean  time  mimickini?  their  dviuf, 
groans. 

The  Pcquots,  encouraged  by  the  trifling  resistance 
made  by  the  English  to  their  wanton  acts  of  barbarity, 
on  the  20th  of  June,  IG.%,  besieged  fort  Saybrook,  in 
which  there  were  about  twenty  men  stationed.  The 
Indians  numbered  about  one  hundred  and  fifty.  They 
surrounded  and  furiously  attacked  the  fort  at  mid- 
night, yelling  and  mimicking  the  dying  groans  of  such 
as  had  fallen  victims  to  their  barbarity  ;  but  the  Eng- 
lish, being  fortunately  provided  with  a  piece  or  two 
of  cannon,  caused  their  savage  enemies  to  groan  in 
reality,  who,  after  receiving  two  or  tlirce  deadly  firc'v 


INDIAN   WAIS. 


40 


from  the  besieged,  retreated,  leaving  behind  them  dead, 
or  mortally  wounded,  about  twenty  of  their  number, 
The  English  sustained  no  loss  in  the  attpck. 

The  governor  and  council  of  Massachusetts  colony 
alarmed  at  the  bold  and  daring  conduct  of  the  Pequots, 
on  the  20th  of  August  despatched  Capt.  Endicot  of  Sa- 
lem, with  ninety  men  to  avenge  these  murders,  unless 
they  should  consent  to  peliver  up  the  murderers,  and 
make  reparation  for  the  injuries  the  English  had  sustain- 
ed. Capt.  Endicot  was  directed  to  proceed  first  to  Block 
Island,  then  inhabited  by  the  Pequots,  put  the  men  to 
the  sword  and  take  possession  of  the  island.  The  wo- 
men and  children  to  be  spared.  Thence  he  was  to  pro- 
ceed to  the  Pequot  coimlry,  demand  the  murderers  of 
the  English^  a  thousand  fathom  of  wampum,  and  a  num- 
ber of  their  children  as  hostages. 

Capt.  Endicot  sailed  from  Boston  on  the  morning  o,f 
the  20th,  When  he  arrived  at  Block  Island,  about  six- 
ty Indians  appeared  on  the  shore  and  opposed  his  land- 
ing. His  men  soon  however  effected  a  landing,  and  af- 
ter a  little  skirmishing  drove  the  Indians  into  the  wood, 
where  they  could  not  be   found. 

The  English  continued  two  or  three  days  on  the  isl- 
and, in  which  time  they  destroyed  100  wigwams,  and  a- 
bout  fifty  canoes,  when  they  proceeded  to  the  Pequot 
country.  When  they  arrived  in  Pequot  harbor,  Capt. 
Endicot  acquainted  the  enemy  with  his  designs  and  de- 
termination to  avenge  the  cruelties  practiced  upon  his 
countrymen.  In  a  few  moments  nearly  500  of  the  ene- 
my collected  on  the  shores  ;  but  as  soon  as  they  were 
made  acquainted  with  the  hostile  views  of  the  English, 
they  hastily  withdrew,  and  secreted  themselves  in  the 
swamps  and  ledges  inaccessible  to  the  troo'ps.  Capt.  En- 
dicot landed  his  men  on  both  sides  the  harbpr,  burnt 
their  wigwams  and  destroyed  their  canoes,  killed  an  In- 
dian or  two,  and  returned  to  Boston.  Enough  indeed 
had  been  done  to  exasperate,  but  nothing  to  subdue  a 
warlike  enemy. 

Sasacus,  chief  of  the  Pequots,  and  his  captains,  were 
menof  great  and  independent  spirits  ;  they  had  conquer- 
ed and  go  verned  the  nations  around  them  without  con- 

7 


50 


INDIAN    WARS. 


trol ;  they  viewed  the  English  os  strangers  and  mere  in- 
*trudcrs,  who  had  no  right  to  the  country,  nor  to  control 
its  original  proprietors  ;  as  independent  princes  and  sover- 
eigns, they  had  made  settlements  in  Connecticut  without 
their  consent,  and  brought  home  the  Indian  kings  whom 
they  had  conquered,  and  restored  them  their  authority 
and  lands.  They  had  built  a  fort  and  were  making  a 
settlement  without  their  approbation,  in  their  very  neigh- 
borhood. Indeed  they  had  now  proceeded  to  attack  and 
ravage  the  country.  The  Pequots  in  consequence 
breathed  nothing  but  war  and  ravcnge  :  they  were  de- 
termined to  extirpate  or  drive  all  the  English  from  New- 
England.  For  this  purpose  they  conceived  the  plan  of 
uniting  the  Indians  generally  against  them  ;  they  spared 
no  art  nor  pains  to  make  peace  with  the  Narragansets, 
and  to  engage  them  in  the  war  against  the  English,  to 
whom  they  represented  that  they  were  bad  men,  and  the 
natural  enemies  of  the  natives,  and  who  also  were  for- 
eigners, overspreading  the  country,  and  depriving  the  ori- 
ginal inhabitants  of  their  ancient  rights  and  possessions  ; 
that  unless  effectual  means  were  immediately  provided 
to  prevent  it,  they  "vyould  soon  disposess  the  original  pro- 
prietors, and  become  the  lords  of  the  continent.  They 
insisted  that  by  a  general  combination  they  could  either 
detsroy  or  drive  them  from  the  country  ;  that  there  would 
be  no  necessity  to  come  to  open  battle  ;  that  by  killing 
their  cattle,  firing  their  houses,  laying  ambushes  on  their 
roads,  in  their  fields,  and  wherever  they  could  surprise 
and  destroy  them,  they  might  accomplifeih  their  ol  ject : 
they  represented  that  if  the  English  should  effect  the  de- 
struction of  the  Pequots,  they  would  soon  destroy  the 
Narragansets.  So  just  and  politic  .were  these  represen- 
tations, that  nothing  but  that  thirst  for  revenge,  which 
inflames  the  savage  heart,  could  have  resisted  their  in- 
fluence ;  indeed  it  is  said  that  for  some  time  the  Narra- 
gansets hesitated. 

The  governor  of  the  colonies,  to  prevent  an  union  be- 
tween these  savage  nations,  and  to  strengthen  the  peace 
between  the  Narraganset  indians  an  the  colonies,  des- 
pp.tched  a  messenger  to  invite  Miantinomi,  their  chief 
lacbexn.  to  Boston.     The  invitation  was  accepted,  and 


INDIAN    WAUS 


51 


while  nt  Boston  with  the  governor  nnd  council,  he  enter- 
ed into  a  treaty,  the  srbstanee  of  wlncii  was  iis  follows : 
That  there  should  be  a  firm  peace  maintained  between 
the  English  and  Nurragansets  ;  and  that  the  latter 
should  not  harbor  the  enemies  of  the  English,  but  de- 
liver up  to  tht^m  such  fugitives  as  should  resort  to  thein 
for  safety.  The  English  wore  to  give  them  notice  y/heci 
they  went  out  against  the  Pcquots,  and  the  Narragan- 
sets  were  to  furnish  them  with  guides. 

In  February  16i}7,  the  English  in  Connecticut  colo- 
ny, represented  to  the  governor  their  desire  to  prosecute 
more  effectually  the  war  with  the  Pequots,  who  yet  con- 
tinued to  exercise  towards  them  the  most  wanton  acts  of 
barbarity.  They  represented  that  on  the  10th  January 
a  boat  containing  three  of  their  countrymen  was  attack- 
ed by  the  enemy  when  proceeding  down  the  river.  That 
the  English  for  some  time  bravely  defended  themselves, 
but  were  overpowered  by  numbers.  That  the  Indians, 
when  they  had  succeeded  in  capturing  the  boats  crew, 
ripped  them  up  from  the  bottom  of  their  bellies  to  their 
throats,  and  in  like  manner  split  them  down  their  backs, 
and  thus  mangled  hung  them  upon  the  trees  by  the  river 
side.  "^  ley  represented  that  the  affairs  of  Connecticut 
colony  at  this  moment  wore  a  most  gloomy  aspect ;  that 
they  IjuJ  sustained  great  losses  in  cuttle  and  goods  the 
preceding  year,  but  were  still  more  unfortunate  the  pre- 
sent ;  that  they  could  neither  hunt,  fish  or  cultivate  their 
fields,  nor  travel  at  home  or  abroad,  but  at  the  .peril  of 
their  lives ;  that  they  weie  obliged  to  keep  a  constant 
watch  by  night  and  day  ;  to  go  armed  to  their  daily  la- 
bors and  to  the  houses  of  public  worship.  And  although 
desirous  to  prosecute  the  war  more  effectually  with  the 
common  enemy,  they  were  not  in  a  situation  to  do  it,  and 
therefore  humbly  prayed  for  assistance.  .  ' 

The  report  of  the  horrid  and  unprovoked  cruelties  of 
the  Pequots,  practised  upon  the  defenceless  inhabitants 
of  Connecticut  colony,  roused  the  other  colonies  to  the 
most  spirited  exertions.  Massachusetts  determined  to 
send  200  and  Plymouth  forty  men  to  assist  their  unfor- 
tunate brethren  in  prosecuting  the  war.  Capt.  Patrick 
with  forty  men  was  sent  before  the  other  troops  iu  order 


^-1 


62 


INDIAN    WARS. 


that  he  might  be  enabled  seasonably  to  form  a  junction 
with  those  in  Connecticut,  who  notwithstanding  their 
weak  and  distressed  state,  engaged  to  furnish  90  men. 

On  Wednesday  the  10th  of  May,  the  Connecticut 
troops  proceeded  to  fort  Saybrook.  These  consisted  of 
ninety  Englishmen  and  seventy  Mohegans  and  river  In* 
dians,  the  latter  commanded  by  Uncas,  sachem  of  the 
Mohegans,  and  the  former  by  Capt.  John  Mason  who 
was  accompanied  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Stone  of  Hartford,  as 
chaplain.  The  Mohegans  being  detached  from  the  En- 
glish, on  their  way  to  Saybrook,  fell  in  with  a  consider- 
able body  of  the  enemy,  whom  they  defeated.  They  kil- 
led twenty-two  and  took  eighteen  of  them  prisoners. 

Among  the  prisoners  there  was  one  who  was  recogni- 
zed as  a  perfidious  villain  ;  he  had  lived  in  the  fort  some 
time  before,  and  well  understood  their  language  ;  he  re- 
mained attached  to  their  interest  until  the  commencement 
of  hostilities  with  the  Peqiiots,  when  he  deserted  from 
the  fort  and  joined  the  enemy,  whom  he  served  as  a  guide 
and  through  whose  instigation  many  of  the  English  had 
been  captured  and  put  to  death.  Uncas  and  his  men  in- 
sisted upon  executing  him  according  to  the  custom  of 
their  ancestors,  and  the  English  in  the  circumstances  in 
which  they  were,  did  not  judge  it  prudent  to  interfere. 
The  Indians  enkindled  a  fire,  near  which  they  confined 
the  prisoner  to  a  Stake,  in  which  situation  he  remained  un> 
til  his  skin  became  parched  with  the  heat.  The  Mohegans 
then  violently  tore  him  limb  from  limb,  barbarously  cut- 
ting his  flesh  in  pieces,  they  handed  it  round  from  one  to 
another,  ;v.ting  it  while  they  sung  and  danced  round  the 
fire  in  a  manner  peculiar  to  savages.  The  bones  and 
such  parts  of  the  unfortunate  captive  as  were  not  consu- 
med in  this  dreadful  repast,  were  committed  to  the  flames 
and  consumed  to  ashes. 

On  the  19th>  Capt.  Mason  and  his  men  proceeded  to 
Narraganset  Bay,  where  they  safely  arrived  on  the2l3t. 
He  marched  immediately  to  the  plantation  of  Canonicus, 
a  Narraganset  sachem,  and  acquainted  him  with  his  de- 
signs, despatching  a  messenger  to  Miantinomi,  to  inform 
him  likewise  of  their  expedition.  The  next  day  Mian- 
tinomi, with  his   chief  counsellors,    met  the   English. 


/ 


i 


INDIAN    WARS. 


63 


e 

I 


Capt.  Mason  informed  him  that  the  cause  of  his  enter- 
ing his  country  with  on  armed  force  was  to  revenge  the 
injuries  which  the  Pcquots  had  done  to  the  English,and 
desired  a  free  passage  to  their  forts,  which  they  intend- 
ed to  attack.  After  a  solemn  consultation,  in  the  Indian 
nianner,  Miantinomi  observed,  '  that  he  highly  approved 
of  the  expedition  and  would  send  men  to  assist  the  Eng- 
lish, but  that  they  were  too  few  in  number  to  fight  the 
enemy  ;  that  the  Pequots  were  great  warriors  and  rath- 
er slighted  the  English.'' 

Capt.  Mason  landed  his  men  and  marched  to  the  plan- 
tation of  Miantinomi,  which  by  previous  agreement,  WiEis 
to  be  the  place  of  general  rendezvous.  In  the  evening 
an  Indian  runner  arrived  with  information  that  Capt. 
Patrick,  with  the  men  under  his  command,  had  nrrived 
at  the  plantation  of  Roger  Williams,  in  Providence,  and 
was  desirous  that  Capt.  Mason  should  postpone  his  march 
until  such  time  as  he  could  join  him.  Capt.  Mason  after 
mature  deliberation,  determined  however  not  to  wait  his 
arrival,  although  a  junction  was  considered  important. 
His  men  had  been  detained  much  longer  than  Was  agree- 
able to  their  wishes,  and  the  Mohegans  apparently  were 
impatient  for  battle.  The  little  army,  therefore,  consis- 
ting of  ninety  Englishmen,  sixty  Mohegan  and  river  In- 
dians, and  about  two  hundred  N^arragansets,  comenccd 
their  march  on  the  24th,  and  in  the  evening  of  that  day 
reached  Nihantick,  which  bounded  on  the  country  of  the 
Pequots.  Nihantick  was  the  seat  of  a  Narraganset  sa- 
chem, who  seemed  displeased  with  the  expedition,  and 
would  not  suffer  the  English  to  enter  his  fort.  Capt. 
Mason  suspecting  the  treachery  of  this  fellow,  placed  a 
sentinel  at  night  at  the  entrance  of  the  fort,  determined 
that  as  he  could  not  be  permitted  to  enter,  no  one  should 
come  out  to  advise  the  enemy  of  his  approach. 

On  the  morning  of  the  25lh,  Capt.  Mason  was  joined 
by  an  additional  number  of  Narragansets  and  a  few  Ni- 
hanticks.  They  formed  a  circle  and  brandished  their 
scalping  knives,  made  protestations  how  gallantly  they 
would  fight,  and  what  numbers  they  would  kill.  Capt. 
Mason  had  now  under  his  command  near  five  hundred 
Indians,  in  addition  to  his  former  force,  with  whom  he 


3 


54 


INDIAN    WARS. 


early  resumed  his  march  for  the  head-quarters  of  his 
enemy.  The  day  proved  uncommonlj  warm,  and  the 
men,  through  excessive  heat  and  want  of  provisions, were 
only  enabled  by  night  to  reach  Paucatuck  river  ;  where 
the  Narragansets  began  to  manifest  great  fear,  and  to  en- 
quire of  Capt.  Mason  his  real  design.  He  assured  them 
it  was  to  attack  the  Pequots  in  their  fort.  At  which 
they  appeared  greatly  surprised,  and  exhibited  a  dispo- 
sition to  quit  the  English  and  return  home. 

Wequash,  a  Pequot  sachem  who  had  revolted  from 
Sasacus,  was  the  principal  guide  of  the  English*  and  he 
proved  faithful.  He  gave  such  information  respecting 
the  distance  of  the  forts  of  the  enemy  from  each  other, 
and  the  distance  they  were  then  from  that  of  the  chief 
sachem's,  as  induced  Capt.  Mason  to  determine  to  attack 
the  latter,  which  his  guide  represented  as  situated  at  the 
head  of  Mistick  river.  He  found  his  men  so  much  fa- 
tigued by  their  march  through  a  pathless  wilderness,  with 
their  provision,  arms  and  amiinition,  that  his  resolution 
appeared  absolutely  necessary.  The  little  army  accord- 
ingly, on  the  morning  of  the  26th,  proceeded  directly 
for  Mistick,  and  at  sun-down  penetrated  a  thick  swamp, 
and  imagining  that  they  could  not  be  far  distant  from 
the  fort,  they  pitched  their  little  camp,  between  two 
large  ro«ks,  now  known  by  the  name  of  Porter's  Rocks, 
situated  in  Groton.  The  sentinels,  who  were  con- 
sideraWy  advanced  in  front  of  the  main  body  of  the 
English,  distinctly  heard  the  enemy  singing  and  dancing 
through  the  night  at  their  fort. 

The  important  day  was  approaching  when  the  exist- 
ence of  Connecticut  was  to  be  determined  by  the  sword, 
in  a  single  action ;  and  to  be  decided  by  the  valor  of  less 
than  a  hundred  brave  men.  About  two  hours  before  day 
the  men  were  aroused  from  their  slumbers  by  their  offi- 
cers, and  after  commending  themselves  and  .their  cause  to 
the  Almighty,  proceeded  with  all  possible  despatch  for 
the  enemy's  fort.  When  within  a  few  rods  of  it,  Capt. 
Mason  sent  for  Uncas  and  Wequash,  desiring  them  in 
their  Indian  manner  to  har/angue  and  prepare  their  men 
for  combat.  They  repliea,  that  their  men  were  much 
afraid,  and  could  not  be  prevailed  on  to  advance  any  far- 


INDIAN   WARS. 


65 


r  men 
much 
ly  far- 


ther. Go  then,  said  Capt.  Mason,  and  request  thiem  not 
to  retire,  but  to  surround  the  fort  at  any  distance  they 
please,  and  see  what  courage  Englishmen  can  displ:iy ! 
The  day  was  now  dawning  and  no  time  was  to  be  lost. 
The  fort  was  soon  inview  ;  the  soldiers  pressed  forward, 
animated  by  the  reflection  that  it  was  not  for  tliemse'ves 
alone  that  they  were  to  fight,  but  for  their  pai-ents,  wives, 
children  and  countrymen  !  as  they  approached  the  fort 
within  a  short  distance,  they  wer«  discovered  by  a  Pt- 
quot  sentinel,  who  roared  out  Ovvanux !  Ovvanuii ! 
(Englishmen,  Englishmen.)  The  troops  pressed  on,  and 
as  the  Indians  were  rallying  poured  in  upon  them  the  con- 
tents of  their  muskets,  and  instantly  hastened  to  the  prin- 
cipal entrance  of  the  fort  rushed  in  sword  in  hand.  An 
important  moment  this  ;  for  notwithstanding  the  blaze 
and  thunder  of  the  fire-arms,  the  Pequots  made  a  power- 
ful resistance.  Sheltered  by  their  wigwams,  and  rallied 
by  their  sachems  and  squaws,  they  defended  themselves, 
and  in  some  instances  attacked  the  English  with  a  reso- 
lution that  would  have  done  honor  to  the  Romans.  After 
a  bloody  and  desperate  conflict  of  near  two  hours,  in 
which  hundreds  of  the  Indians  were  slain,  and  many  of 
the  English  killed  and  wounded,  victory  still  hung  in 
suspense.  In  this  critical  state  of  the  action  Capt.  Ma- 
son had  recourse  to  a  successful  expedient.  Rushing  in- 
to a  wigwam  within  the  fort,  he  seized  a  brand  of  fire, 
in  the  mean  time  crying  out  to  his  men,  We  must  burn 
them  !  communicated  it  to  the  mats  with  which  the  wig- 
wams were  covered,  by  which  means  the  whole  fort  was 
soon  wrapt  in  flames.  As  the  fire  increased,  the  Eng- 
lish retired  and  formed  a  circle  round  the  fort.  The 
Mohegans  and  Narragansets,  who  remained  idle  specta- 
tors to  the  bloody  carnage,  mustered  courage  sufficient 
to  form  another  circle  in  the  rear  of  them.  The  enemy 
were  now  in  a  deplorable  situation.  Death  inevitably 
was  their  portion.  Sallying  forth  from  their  burning  cells 
were  shot  or  cut  in  pieces  by  the  English  ;  many,  per- 
ceiving it  impossible  tb  escape  the  vigilance  of  the  troops, 
threw  themselves  voluntarily  into  the  flames. 

The  violence  qf  the  flames,  the  reflection  of  the  light, 
the  clashing  and  roar  of  arms,  the  «hriek8  and  yells  of 


56 


INDIAN    WARS. 


the  savages  in  the  fort,  and  the  shouting  of  the  friendly 
Indians  without,  produced  an  awful  srene.  In  'ass  than 
two  hours  from  the  commencement  of  the  bloody  action, 
the  English  completed  their  work.  Eighty  wigwams 
were  burnt,  and  upwards  of  eight  hundred  Indians  de- 
stroyed. Parents  and  children,  the  sanup  and  squaw, 
the  aged  and  the  young  perished  in  promiscuous,  ruin  ! 
The  loss  of  the  English  was  comparatively  small,  not  ex- 
ceeding twenty-five  killed  and  wounded. 

After  the  termination  of  this  severe  engagement,  as 
the  English  were  proceeding  to  embark  on  board  their 
vessels,  which  fortunately  for  them  at  this  moment  arri- 
ved in  the  harbor,  they  were  attacked  in  the  rear  by  a- 
bout  three  hundred  of  the  enemy,  who  had  been  despatch- 
ed from  a  neighboring  fort  to  assist  their  brethren.  The 
English  gave  them  so  warm  a  reception,  that  they  soon 
gave  way  and  fell  back  to  the  field  of  action  ;  where 
viewing  for  a  few  moments,  with  apparent  marks  of  sur- 
prise and  horror,  the  shocking  scene  which  it  presented, 
they  stamped,  bellowed,  and  with  savage  rage  tore  their 
hair  from  their  heatis  ;  and  then  with  a  hideous  yell  pur- 
sued the  English,  as  if  with  determination  to  avenge  the 
deaths  of  their  friends,  even  at  the  expense  of  their  lives. 
They  pursued  them  nearly  six  miles,  sometimes  shooting 
at  a  distance  from  behind  the  rocks  and  trees,  and  some- 
times pressed  hard  upon  them,  hazarding  themselves  in 
open  field.  The  English  killed  numbers  of  them,  but 
sustained  no  loss  on  their  part.  When  a  Pequot  fell  the 
Mohegans  would  cry  out,  run  and  fetch  "his  head.  The 
enemy  finding  at  length  that  they  discharged  arrows  in 
vain,  and  that  the  English  ;  speared  to  be  well  stocked 
with  ammunition,  gave  ovei  the  pursuit. 

In  less  than  three  weeks  from  the  time  the  English 
embarked  at  Saybrook,  they  returned,  with  the  exception 
of  the  few  killed  and  wounded,  in  safety  to  their  respec- 
tive habitations.  Few  enterprizes  were  ever  perhaps  a- 
chieved  with  more  personal  bravery  ;  in  few  have  so  great 
a  proportion  of  the  effective  men  of  a  whole  colony,  or 
nation,  been  put  to  so  great  and  immediate  danger  ;  in 
few  have  a  people  been  so  deeply  and  immediately  inter* 
ested,  as  wer^  the  £nglish  inhabitants  of  Connecticut  at 


I 


r 


tNDIAN    WARS. 


67 


I 


this  important  crisis.  In  these  respects,  even  the  great 
armaments  and  battles  of  Europe  are  comparatively  of 
little  importance  ;  and  if.  ought  never  to  be  forgotten, 
that  through  the  bravery  and  unconquerable  resolution  of 
less  than  one  hundred  men,  Connecticut  was  once  saved, 
and  the  most  warlike  tribe  of  Indians  in  New  England 
completely  exterminated. 

The  few  Pequots  who  now  remained  alive  conceiving 
it  unsafe  to  inhabit  a  country  so  exposed  to  invasion,  re< 
moved  far  to  the  westward,  among  whom  was  Sasacus, 
their  principal  sachem.  On  the  25th  June  the  Connec- 
ticut troops,  under  Capt.  Mason,  together  with- a  compa- 
ny from  Massachusetts,  commanded  by  Capt.  Stoughton, 
were  sent  in  pursuit  of  them.  They  proceeded  westward 
and  on  the  27th  fell  in  with  and  defeated  a  considerable 
body  ;*  and  took  about  fifty  of  them  prisoners,  among 
whom  were  two  sachems,  whose  lives  were  offered  them 
on  condition  of  their  serving  as  guides. 

The  English  on  their  march  frequently  fell  in  with 
small  detached  parties  of  the  enemy,  whom  they  captur- 
ed or  destroyed  ;  but  could  not  obtain  any  information 
relative  to  the  main  body  commanded  by  Sasacus.  Find- 
ing that  the  two  sachem  prisoners  would  not  give  them 
the  information  required,  on  the  29th  beheaded  them  at 
a  place  called  Menunkatuck,  (now  Guilford,)  from  which 
circumstance  the  place  still  bears  the  name  oflBachem's 
Head.  The  English  on  the  30th  arrived  at  Quinnipaik, 
(now  New-Haven,)  where  they  were  informed  by  a  friend* 
ly  Pequot,  that  the  enemy  were  encamped  in  a  swamp,  a 
few  miles  to  the  westward.  The  troops  pushed  forward, 
and  on  the  succeeding  day  arrived  at  the  border  of  the 
swamp,  where  they  found  a  thicket  so  extremely  boggy 
as  to  render  it  inaccessible  to  any  one  bu«  the  natives. 
The  English  therefore  thougbt  it  most  advisable  to  sur- 
round the  swamp  and  annoy  tlie  enemy  as  opportunity 
presented.  The  Indians  after  a  few  skirmishes,  request- 
ed a  parley,  which  being  granted,  Thomas  Stanton,  in- 
terpreter to  the  English,  was  sent  to  treat  with  the.^. 
He  was  authorised  to  offer  life  to  such  as  had  not  shed 
the  blood  of  the  English.  Upon  which  the  Sachem  of  the 
place,  together  witii  about  three  hundred  of  his   tribe, 


58 


INDIAN    WAKS. 


» 


K" 


came  out  and  producing';  satisfactory  proof  of  their  iiino- 
censc,  were  permitted  to  retire  ;  but  the  Pequots  boldly 
declared,  that  they  had  both  shed  and  drank  the  blood  of 
Englishmen,  and  would  not  upon  such  terms  accept  of 
life,  but  would  fight  it  out.  The  English  unwilling  to 
brook  the  threats  and  insulting  language  of  the  Pequots, 
attempted  to  devise  means  of  attacking  the  whole  body 
of  them  without  further  delay.  The  officers  were,  how- 
ever, divided  in  opinion  as  to  the  mode.  Some  were  for 
setting  fire  to  the  swamp  ;  others  for  cutting  their  way 
through  with  hatchets  :  and  others  for  surrounding  it  with 
a  palisado.  Neither  of  which  plans  were,  however,  a- 
dopted.  As  night  approached,  the  English  cut  through 
a  part  of  the  swamp,  by  which  means  its  circutnference 
was  considerably  lessened,  and  they  enabled  so  complete- 
ly to  surround  the  enemy  as  to  prevent  their  escaping 
during  the  night.  Early  the  ensuing  morning,  the  In- 
dians perceiving  themselves  completely  hemmed'  in  by 
the  English,  made  a  violent  attempt  to  break  through 
their  lines  :  they  were  however  driven  back  with  great 
loss.  They  next  attempted  to  force  the  line  formed  by 
the  Connectiout  troops,  but  here  they  met  with  a  much 
warmer  reception.  The  contest  now  became  close  and 
severe.  The  Indians,  who  were  abont  six  hundred  in 
number,  appeared  determined  not  to  yield  but  at  the  ex- 
pense oCiheir  lives.  One  of  the  most  resolute  of  them 
walked  bdldly  up  to  Capt.  Mason  with  an  uplifted  toma- 
hawk, and  when  about  to  give  the  fatal  stroke  received 
a  blow  from  the  cutlass  of  the  latter,  which  severed  the 
head  of  the  savage  from  his  body.  The  enemy  soon  af- 
ter made  another  attempt  to  break  through  the  lines  of 
the  English,  in  which  after  a  violent  struggle  they  final- 
ly succeeded.  About  sixty  of  their  bravest  warriors  es- 
caped ;  the  remainder  were  killed  or  taken  prisoners. 
The  loss  of  the  English  was  eleven  killed  and  twenty 
wounded. 

The  prisoners  taken  were  divided  among  the  troops, 
some  of  whom  were  retained  by  them  as  serva.  ts,  and 
the  remainder  were  sent  to  the  West-Indies  and  sold  '  j 
planters.  The  prisoners  reported  that  the  who; ^  i:*be 
of  Pequots  was  now  nearly  txterminated  ;  that  ih  iiffer- 


INDIAN   WARS- 


69 


*r. 


ent  engagements  there  had  been  upwards  of  2000  of  them 
killed,  and  1000  captured,  among  whom  were  thirteen 
sachems  ;  and  that  six  yet  survived,  of  whom  one  was 
Sasacus,  who  had  fled  with  a  fragment  of  his  tribe,  to  a 
country  bordering  on  the  Hudson  river,  inhabited  by  the 
Mohawks. 

Atier  the  swamp  fight  the  Pequots  became  so  weak  and 
scattered,  that  the  Mohegans  and  Narragansets  daily  de- 
stroyed them,  and  presented  their  scalps  to  the  English. 
The  few  that  fled  with  Sasacus  to  the  westward  were 
totally  destroyed  by  the  Mohawks.  The  scalp  of  Sasa- 
cus was  in  the  fall  of  16J8  presented  to  the  governor  and 
council  of  Massachusetts. 

Soon  after  the  extermination  of  the  Pequots,  the  Nar- 
rsgansets,  the  most  numerous  tribe  in  New  England,  be- 
ing displeased  with  the  small  power  with  which  they 
were  vested,  and  the  respect  which  the  English  uniform- 
ly manifested  for  Uncas,  appeared  disposed  to  break  their 
treaty  of  friendship.  Miantinomi,  without  consulting 
the  English  according  to  agreement,  without  proclaim- 
ing" war,  or  giving  Uncas  the  least  information,  raised  an 
army  of  lOOO  men  and  marched  against  him.  The  spies 
of  Uncas  discovered  the  army  at  some  .distance  and  gave 
him  intelligence.  H  was  unprepared,  but  rallying  a- 
bout  five  hundred  of  his  bravest  men,  he  told  them  they 
must  by  no  means  suffer  Miantinomi  to  enter  their  town, 
but  must  go  and  give  him  battle  on  his  way.  The  Mo- 
hegans having  marched  three  or  four  miles,  met  the  en- 
my  upon  an  extensive  plain.  When  the  arrriss  had  ad- 
vanced within  fair  bow-shot  of  each  other,  Uncas  had 
recourse  to  stratagem,  with  which  he  had  previously  ac- 
quainted his  warriors.  He  desired  a  parley,  which  being 
granted,  both  armies  halted  in  the  face  of  each  other. 
Uncas  gallantly  advancing  in  front  of  his  menf  addressed 
Miantinomi  to  this  effect :  '  You  have  a  number  of  stout 
men  with  you,  so  have  I  with  me.  It  is  a  great  pity  that 
so  many  brave  warriors  should  be  killed  in  consequence 
of  a  misunderstanding  between  us  two.  Come  like  a 
brave  man  as  you  profess  to  be,  and  let  us  decide  the  dis- 
pute alone.  If  you  kill  mc,  my  men  shall  be  yours  ;  but- 
if  I  kill  you,  your  men  shall  be  mine,'  No,  (replied  Mian- 


iSO 


INDIAN   WARS. 


tinomi,)  my  men  came  to  fight,  and  they  shall  fight.'— 
Upon  which  Un(^as  falling  instantly  to  the  ground,  his 
men  discharged  a  shower  of  arrows,  and  rushing  upon 
them  in  the  most  furious  manner,  with  a  hidious  yell,  put 
them  lO  flight. 

The  Mohegdns  pursued  the  enemy  with  the  sanje  fury 
and  eagerness  with  which  they  commenced  the  action. 
The  Narragansets  were  driven  down  rocks  and  precipi-^ 
ces  and  chased  like  a  doc  by  the  huntsman.  Many  of 
them,  to  escape  from  their  pursuers,  plunged  into  a  river 
f'rom  rocks  of  near  sixty  feet  in  height.  Among  others 
Miantinomi  was  hard  pushed  ;  some  of  the  most  forward 
of  the  Mohegans  coming  up  with  him,  twirled  him  about 
and  so  impeded  his  flight,  that  Uncas,  their  sachem,  might 
tilone  have  the  honor  of  taking  him.  Uncus  was  a  man 
of  great,  bodily  strength,  he  rushed  forward  like  a  lion 
greedy  of  his  prey,  seized  Miantinomi  by  the  shoulder, 
and  giving  the  Indian  whoop,  called  up  his  men  who  were 
behind  to  his  assistance.  The  victory  was  complete. 
About  fifty  of  the  Narragansets  were  killed,  and  a  much 
greater  number  wounded  and  taken  prisoners.  Among 
the  latter  was  a  brother  of  Miantinomi,  and  two  of  the 
sonsof  Canonicus,  whom  Uncas  conducted  in  triumph  to 
Mohegan.  A  few  days  after,  Uncas  conducted  Mianti- 
nomi back  to  the  spot  where  he  was  taken,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  putting  him  to  death.  .  At  the  instant  they  arri- 
ved on  the  ground,  an  Indian  who  was  ordcrcu  to  march 
in  the  rear  for  the  purpose,  sunk  a  hatchgt  in  his  head 
find  despatched  him  at  a  single  stroke  ;  he  was  probably 
unacquainted  with  his  fate,  nor  knew  by  what  means  he 
fell.  Ucas  cut  out  a  large  piece  of  his  shoulder,  which 
he  devoured  with  savage  triumph,  declaring  in  the  mean 
time,  that  it  was  the  sweetest  meat  he  ever  eat,  it  made 
his  heart  strong.  The  Mohegans  buried  Miantinomi  jit 
the  place  of  his  execution,  and  erected  upon  his  grave  a 
pillar  of  stones.  This  memorable  event  gave  the  place 
the  name  of  Sachem's  Plains,  which  are  situated  in  the 
eastern  corner  of  Norwich* 

The  Narragansets  became  greatly  enraged  at  the  death 
of  their  sachem,  and  sought  means  to  destroy  Uncas, 
whose  country  they  in  small  parties  frequently  invaded, 


INDIAN   WARg. 


ei 


and  by  laying  in  ambush,  cut  off  a. number  of  his  mnst 
valuable  warriors.  As  Uncas  was  the  avowed  friend  of 
the  English,  and  had  in  many  instances  signalized  himself 
as  such,  they  conceived  it  their  duty  to  afford  him  all  the 
protection  possible.  They  dispatched  messengers  to  ac- 
quaint the  Narraganscts  with  their  determination,  should 
they  continue  to  molest  and  disturb  the  repose  of  the  Mo- 
hegans.  The  messengers  of  the  English  met  with  quite 
an  unfavorable  reception  ;  to  whom  one  of  the  Narra- 
ganset  sachems  declaied,  that  he  would  kill  every  Eng- 
lishman or  Mohegan  that  came  within  his  reach  ;  that 
whoever  began  the  war,  he  would  continue  it ;  and  that 
nothing  should  satisfy  him  but  the  head  of  Uncas. 

The  English,  irritated  at  the  provoking  language  of 
the  Narraganscts,  now  de*  ^rmined  not  only  to  protect 
Uncas,  but  to  invade  their  country  with  an  army  of  three 
hundred  men  ;  first  to  propose  a  peace  on  their  own 
terms,  but  if  rejected,  to  attack  and  destroy  them.  For 
this  purpose  Massachusetts  was  to  furnish  one  hundred 
and  ninety,  and  Plymouth  and  Connecticut  fifty-five  men 
each. 

The  Narraganscts,  learning  that  an  army  was  about 
to  enter  the  heart  of  their  countrv,  and  fearful  of  the  con- 
sequences,  dispatched  several  of  their  raenj^o  sue  for  peace 
on  such  terms  as  the  English  should  be  pleased  to  grant. 
The  governor  and  council  demanded  that  they  ghould  re- 
store to  Uncas  all  the  captives  and  canoes  which  they 
had  taken  from  him,  and  pledge  themselves  to  maintain 
perpetual  peace  with  the  English  and  their  allies  ;  and  to 
the  former  to  pay  an  annual  tribute  of  2000  fathom  of 
wampum.  These  indeed  were  hard  terms,  against  which 
the  Narraganscts  strongly  remonstrated  ;  but  aware  that 
the  English  had  already  a  copsiderable  force  collected 
for  the  purpose  of  invading  their  country,  they  at  length 
thought  it  most  prudent  to  acquiesce. 

During  the  war  between  t\ie  Narraganscts  and  Uncas, 
the  former  once  besieged  the  fort  of  the  latter,  until  his 
provisions  were  nearly  exhausted,  and  he  found  that  his 
men  must  soon  perish  either  by  famine  or  the  tomahawk 
unless  speedily  relieved.  In  this  crisis  he  found  means 
of  communicating  an  account  of  his  situation  to  the  Eng- 


62 


INDIAN    WARS. 


I 


llsh  scouts,  who  hnd  been  despatched  from  the  fort  in 
Saybrook  to  reconnoitre  tlio  cnoniy.  Uncas  represented 
the  danger  to  which  the  English  would  be  exposed,  if 
the  Narrnpfanscfs  should  succeed  in  destroying  the  Mo- 
hegans.  It  was  at  tiiis  critical  juncture  that  the  greatest 
portion  of  the  Knglish  troops  in  Connecticut  were  era- 
ployedon  an  expedition  abroad  :  a  Mr.  Thomas  Leffing- 
well,  however,  a  bold  and  enterprising  man,  on  learning 
the  situation  of  Uncas,  loaded  a  canoe  with  provisions, 
and  under  cover  of  the  night  paddled  from  Saybrook  in- 
to the  river  Thames,  and  had  the  addiess  to  get  the  whole 
into  the  fort.  The  enemy  soon  after  discovering  that 
Uncas  had  received  supplies,  raised  the  siege.  For  this 
piece  of  service  Uncas  presented  Mr.  Letlingwell  with  a 
deed  of  a  very  large  tract  of  land,  now  comprising  the 
whole  town  of  Norwich. 

The  English  in  New-England  now  enjoyed  a  peace 
until  the  year  1671,  when  they  again  took  up  arms  to 
revenge  the  death  of  one  of  their  countrymen,  who  had 
been  inhumanly  murdered  by  an  Indian  belonging  to  the 
Nipnet  tribe,  of  which  the  celebrated  Philip,  of  Mount- 
Hope,  (now  Bristol,  R.  I.)  was  sachem.  It  was  thought 
the  most  prudent  step  by  the  governor  and  council,  first 
to  send  to  Philip  and  acquaint  him  with  the  cause  of  their 
resentment ;  and  the  course  which  they  were  determined 
to  pursue,  in  ease  he  refused  to  deliver  into  their  hands 
the  murderer.  Philip  being  sent  for  and  appearing  be- 
fore the  court,  affected  to  be  much  dissatisfied  with  the 
conduct  of  the  accused, assuring  them  that  no  pains  should 
be  spared  to  bring  him  to  justice  ;  and  more  fully  to  con- 
firm his  friendship  for  the  English,  expressed  a  wish 
that  he  was  about  to  make,  might  be  committed  to  pa- 
per, that  he  and  his  council  might  thereunto  affix  their 
signatures.  The  governor  and  council  in  compliance 
with  the  request,  drew  up  the  following,  which,  after  be- 
ing signed  by  Philip  and  his  chief  men,  was  presented  to 
the  governor  by  Philip,  in  confirmation  of  his  friendly 
assurances. 

"  Whereas  my  father,  my  brother,  and  myself,  have 
uniformly  submitted  to  the  good  and  wholesome  laws  of 
his  majesty,  the  king  of  England,  and  have  ever  respec- 


^ 
r 
c 
\ 
1 
I 

0 

d 
n 


INDIAN    WARS. 


63 


con- 
wish 


lance 
jr  be- 
;ed  to 
endly 


ted  his  faithful  subjects,  the  English,  as  our  friends  und 
brothers,  and  being  still  anxious  to  brighten  the  chain  of 
friendship  between  us,  wo  do  now  embrace  this  opportu- 
nity to"  pledge  ourselves  that  we  will  spare  no  pains  in 
seeking  out  and  bringing  to  justice,  such  of  our  tribe  as 
shall  hereafter  commit  any  outrage  against  them  ;  and  to 
remove  nil  suspicion,  we  voluntarily  agree  to  deliver  up 
to  them  all  the  fire-arms  which  they  have  heretofore 
kindly  presented  us  with,  until  such  time  as  they  can  safe- 
ly repose  confidence  in  us  ;  and  for  the  true  performance 
of  these  our  sacred  promises,  we  have  hereunto  set  our 
hands. 

Chief  saehem. 
.    Philip's  X  mark. 
Chief  men. 

Porkanoket's  X  mark. 

Uncombo's     X  mark. 

Samkama's     X  mark. 

Wocokom's    X  mark. 


In  the  presence  of  the 
Governor  and  Council 


"I 


Notwithstanding  the  fair  promises  of  Philip,  it  was 
soon  discovered  by  the  English,  that  he  was  playing  a 
deep  game  ;  that  he  was  artfully  enticing  his  red  breth- 
ren throughout  the  whole  of  New-England,  to  rise  en 
masse  against  them,  and  drive  them  out  of  the  country. 
The  Narragansets,  for  this  purpose,  had  engaged  to  raise 
4000,  fighting  men.  The  spring  of  1672,  was  the  time 
agreed  upon,  on  which  thi  grand  blow  was  to  be  given. 
The  evil  intentions  of  Philip,  were  first  discovered  and 
communicated  to  the  English  by  a  friendly  Indian  of  the 
Narraganset  tribe.  Fortunately  for  them  this  Indian 
had  been  taken  into  favor  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Elliot,  by 
■whom  he  had  been  taught  to  read  and  write,  and  became 
much  attached  to  the  English.  The  governor  upon  re- 
ceiving the  important  information  relative  to  the  hostile 
views  of  Philip,  ordered  a  military  watch  to  be  kept  up 
in  all  the  EngUsh  settlements  within  the  three  colonies  ; 
by  some  of  whom  it  was  soon  discovered  that  the  report 
of  their  Indian  friend  was  too  well  founded,  as  the  In- 
dians ofxdifferent  tribes  were  daily  seen  flocking  in  great 
numbers  to  the  head-quarters  of  Philip  ;  previously  send- 


64 


INDIAN    WARS. 


inc;  tlioir  wives  and  childron  to  llie  Nnrrac;nnset  country, 
vvliich  th(!y  litid  ever  dono  previous  to  tho  cumrncncc- 
incnt  of  hostilities. 

The  inhabitants  of  Swanzcy,  n  small  sctllomcnt  ad- 
joininj;  Mount-IIopr,  the  head-quarters  of  Philip,  were 
tho  first  who  felt  tho  elFects  of  this  war.  Philip,  encour- 
H|;ed  by  the  numbers  who  wore  daily  enlisting  under  his 
banners,  and  despairing  to  discover  a  cause  that  could 
justify  him  in  cominrncing  hostilities  againt  his  *  friends 
and  brothers,'  as  he  had  termed  them,  resolved  to  pro- 
voke them  to  a  war  by  killing  their  cattle,  fircmg  their 
barns,  &c.  This  plan  had  the  d<'sired  effect,  as  the  in- 
habitants, deternnned  to  save  their  property  or  perish  in 
the  attempt,  fired  upon  tho  Indians  ;  this  was  deemed 
cause  suflicient  by  the  latter  to  commence  their  bloody 
work.  The  war  whoop  was  immediately  sounded,  and 
the  Indians  commenced  an  ind'scriminate  murder  of  the 
defenceless  inhabitants  of  Swunzey,  sparing  not  infants 
at  the  breast ;  but  three  of  seventy-eight  persons  which 
the  town  contained  made  their  escape.  Messengers 
were  despatched  with  the  melaneholiy  tidings  of  this 
bloody  affair,  to  the  governor,  who  by  and  with  the  ad- 
vice and  consent  of  the  council,  despatched  a  company 
of  militia  with  all  possible  speed,  to  tho  relief  of  the  dis- 
tressed inhabitants  residing  near  the  headquarters  of 
Philip.  As  soon  as  they  could  be  raised,  three  compa- 
nies were  despatched  under  the  command  of  Captains 
Henchman,  Prentice  and  Church,  who  -arrived  in  the 
ncighborhoodof  Swanzcy  on  the  28th  June,  where  they 
were  joined  by  four  more  companies  from  Plymouth  col- 
ony. It  was  found  that  the  Indians  had  pillaged  and  set 
fire  to  the  village,  and  with  their  booty  had  retired  to 
Mount  Hope.  A  company  of  cavalry  were  sent  under 
the  command  of  Capt.  Prentice,  to  reconnoitre  them  ; 
but  before  they  arrived  at  a  convenient  place  for  this 
purpose,  they  were  ambushed  and  fired  upon  by  the 
enemy,  who  killed  six  of  their  number  and  wounded  ten. 
The  report  of  their  guns  alarming  the  remaining  compa- 
nies of  the  English,  they  hastened  to  the  relief  of  the 
cavalry,  who  at  this  moment  were  completely  surrounded 
by  about  600  Indians,  between  whom  and  the  EngHsh  a 


INDIAN    WARB. 


05 


intry, 
cnce- 

it  U(l- 

wcro 
icour- 
er  his 
could 
fiends 
3  pro- 
thoir 
he  in- 
rish  in 
ecmcd 
bloody 
d,  and 
of  the 
infants 
which 
engers 
)f  this 
ic  ad- 
npany 
10  dis- 
ers  of 
ompa- 
ptains 
n  the 
c  they 
th  col- 
and  set 
red  to 
under 
them  ; 
or  this 
3y  the 
d  ten. 
5ompa- 
of  the 
Dunded 
gHsh  a 


warm  contest  now  ensued.  The  savages  fought  despe^ 
ratcly,  and  more  than  once  nearly  succeeded  in  overpow- 
ering the  Knglish  ;  but  very  fortunately  for  the  latter, 
when  nnarly  (iespairing  oi'  victory,  a  fresh  company  of 
militia  from  Boston  arrived  ;  tiiey  flunked  the  enemy  on 
the  right  and  left,  exposin<5  them  to  two  fires,  soon  over- 
powered and  drove  them  to  Sv^.ck  shelter  in  an  adjoining 
wood,  inaccessible  to  the  English.  In  this  severe  en- 
gagement the  English  had  forty-two  killed  and  seventy 
three  wounded,  many  of  them  r  ortally.  The  loss  of  the 
enemy  was  supposed  to  bo  mucii  greater. 

On  the  30th,  Major  Savage,  who  had  been  appointed 
commander  in  chief  of  the  combined  English  forces,  ar- 
rived with  an  additional  company  of  cavalry,  v  ^^o  with 
the  remaining  companies  the  following  day  i;  -  umenced 
their  march  for  Mount  Hope,  the  head-nuarters  of  PhiV,o. 
On  their  way,  the  English  were  aflfei  teJ  with  a  sceue 
truly  distressing.  The  savages,  not  content  with  bath- 
ing their  tomahawks  in  the  blood  of  the  defenceless  in- 
habitants of  Swanzey,  had,  it  was  discovered,  in  many 
instances,  detached  their  limbs  from  their  mangled  bo- 
dies, affixing  them  to  poles, they  were  exiended  in  the  air ! 
among  which  were  discovered  the  heads  of  several  infant 
children  ;  the  whole  of  which,  by  order  of  Maj.  Savage, 
were  collected  and  buried. 

The  English  arrived  at  Mount  Hope  about  sunset ; 
but  the  enemy  receiving  inf^^^'mation  of  their  approach, 
had  deserted  their  wigwams  t,!  retired  into  a  neighbor- 
ing wood.  Maj.  Savage,  to  pursue  the  enemy  with  suc- 
cess, divided  his  men  into  companies,  which  he  ordered 
to  march  in  different  directions,  stationing  forty  at  Mount 
Hope.  On  the  4th  of  July,  those  under  the  command 
of  Capts.  Church  and  Henchman  fell  in  with  a  body  of 
the  enemy,  to  the  number  of  two  hundred,  whom  they  at- 
tacked. Victory  for  a  considerable  length  of  time  ap- 
peared in  favor  of  the  savages  ;  but  very  fortunately  for 
the  former,  being  commanded  by  bold  and  resolute  offi- 
cers, they  defended  themselves  in  a  heroic  manner,  un- 
til relieved  by  a  company  of  cavalry  commanded  by  Capt. 
Prentice.  The  Indians  now  finding  the  fire  of  the  Eng- 
lish too  warm  for  them,  fied  in  every  direction,  leaving 

9 


I 


Ij 


66 


INDIAN    WARS. 


thirty  of  their  number  dead,  and  about  sixty  severely 
wounded  on  the  field  of  action.  In  this  engagement  the 
English  had  seven  killed  and  thirty-two  wounded,  five  of 
whom  survived  the  action  but  a  few  hours. 

This  action  so  far  from  daunting  the  bold  and  resolute 
Capt.  Church,  seemed  to  inspire  him  with  additional 
bravery.  Unwilling  that  any  of  the  enemy  should  es- 
cape, he  boldly  led  his  men  into  an  almost  impenetrable 
forest,  into  which  those  who  had  survived  the  action  had 
fled.  The  Indians  perceiving  the  l^nglish  approaching 
concealed  themselves  from  their  view  by  laying  flat  on 
their  bellies,  in  which  situation  they  remained  Concealed 
until  the  English  had  advanced  within  a  few  rods  of  them, 
when  each  unperceived  fixing  upon  his  man  discharged 
a  shower  of  arrows  among  them.  This  unexpected 
check  threw  the  English  into  confusion,  which  the  In- 
dians perceiving,  rushed  furiously  upon  them  with  their 
knives  and  tomahawks,  shouting  horribly.  Their  Caval- 
ry'being  unable  to  atford  them  assistance,  the  English 
were  now  in  a  very  disagreeable  situation  ;  the  trees  being 
so  very  large  as  to  render  it  ditficult  to  use  their  fire-arms 
with  any  etfect,  and  they  were  soon  so  encompassed  by 
the  savages,  as  to  render  almost  every  effort  to  defend 
themselves  useless.  Of  sixty-four  who  entered  the  swamp 
only  seventeen  escaped,  among  whom  fortunately  was 
their  valuable  leader  Capt.  Church. 

The  English  finding  that  they  could  neither  bring  the 
enemy  to  action  in  open  field,  or  engage  with  any  chan-^  e 
of  success  in  the  forest  where  tht^y  were  lodged,  return- 
ed home  ;  with  the  exception  of  three  companies,  who 
were  stationed  by  Maj.  Savage  near  the  borders  of  the 
swamp,  into  which  it  was  suspected  that  Philip  with  a 
number  of  his  tribe  had  fled  This  swamp  was  two 
miles  in  length,  and  to  the  English  inaccessible.  Philip 
had  been  watching  the  motion  of  his  enemies,  and  seeing 
a  great  part  march  otf,  conjecturing  that  their  obect  was 
to  obtain  reinforcement.  Impressed  with  this  belief,  he 
resolved  to  improve  the  opportunity  to  escape  with  a  few 
chosen  men  by  water,  which  he  with  little  difficulty  ef- 
fected the  succeeding  nighi,  taking  advantages  of  a  Ion' 
tide.     The  enemy  were,  soon  after  their  escape,  discov- 


INDIAN    WARS. 


67 


ered  and  pursued  by  the  inhabitants  of  Hehobeth,  ac- 
companied by  a  party  of  the  Mohegans,  who  had  volun- 
teered their  services  aojainst  Philip. 

The  Rehobeth  militia  csime  up  with  the  rear  of  the 
enemy  about  sunset,  and  killed  twelve  of  them  without 
sustaining  any  loss  on  their  part  ;  night  prever.ting  their 
engaging  the  whole  force  of  Philip  ;  but  curly  the  next 
morning  they  continued  the  pursuit.  The  Indians  had,' 
however,  fled  with  such  precipitancy,  that  it  was  found 
impossible  lo  overtake  them.  They  bent  their  course  to 
the  westward,  exhorting  those  tribes  through  which  they 
passed  to  take  up  arms  against  t!.e  English. 

The  united  colonies  now  become  greatly  alarmed  at 
the  hostile  views  ari(^  rapid  strides  of  Philip.  The  gen- 
eral court  was  constantly  in  session  and  endeavoring  to 
plan  means  to  cut  him  off,  belore  he  should  have  an  op- 
portunity to  corrupt  the  minds  of  too  many  of  his  coun- 
trymen. 

While  the  court  was  thus  deliberating,  information 
was  received  that  Philip  had  arrived  in  the  neighborhood 
of  Brookfield,  about  sixty-five  miles  from  Boston,  and  a 
number  of  its  inhabitants  had  been  inhumanly  butchered 
by  his  adherents.  Orders  were  immediately  issued  for 
the  raising  of  ten  companies  of  foot  and  horfee,  to  be  de- 
spatched to  the  relief  of  the  unfortunate  inhabitants  of 
Brookfield  ;  but  before  they  could  reach  that  place,  Phil- 
ip and  his  parly  had  entered  the  town  and  put  to  death 
almost  every  inhabitant  which  it  contained  ;  the  few  that 
escaped  having  taken  the  precaution  to  assemble  togeth- 
er in  one  house, which  they  strongly  fortified.  This  was 
furiously  attacked  by  the  savages  and  several  times  set  on 
fire,  and  the  besieged  were  on  tho  point  of  surrendering, 
when  Maj.  Willard  happily  arrived  to  their  relief.  Re- 
tween  the  English  and  Indians  a  desperate  engagement 
ensued  ;  the  former,  by  the  rxpress  command  of  their  of- 
ficers, gave  no  quarter  ;  but  in  a  very  heroic  manner, 
rushed  upon  the  savages  with  clubbed  muskets.  The 
action  continued  until  near  sunset,  when  the  Indians  that 
remained  alive  sought  shelter  in  the  neighboring  woods. 
In  this  engagement  the  English  had  twenty-three  killed 
and  seventy-two  wounded.     The  eneniy'f  \om  was  tv.o 


66 


INDIAN    WAHS. 


hundred  andseventecn  killed  and  between  two  and  three 
hundred  wounded  ;  who,  by  way  of  retaliation  for  their 
barbarity  exercised  towards  the  defenceless  inhabitants 
of  Brookfield,  were  immediately  put  to  death. 

The  governor  and  council,  on  learing  the  fate  of  the 
unfortunate  inhabitants  of  Brookfield,  despatched  a  rein- 
f9rcement  of  three  companies  of  cavalry  to  Maj.  Willard, 
and  ordered  the  like  number  to  be  sent  him  from  Hart- 
ford, in  Connecticut  eolony  ;  with  which  he  was  directed 
to  pursue  Philip  with  fire  and  sword,  to  whatever  part 
of  the  country  he  should  resort. 

It  being  discovered  that  a  part  of  Philip's  forces  had 
fled  to  Hatfield,  two  companies  of  English,  under  the 
command  of  Capts.  Lathrop  and  Beers,  were  sent  in  pur- 
suit of  ^lem,  and  within  about  three  miles  of  Hatfield, 
overtook  and  attacked  them  ;  but  the  force  of  the  Eng- 
lish being  greatly  inferior  to  that  of  the  enemy,  the  for- 
mer were  defeated  and  driven  back  to  the  main  body  ; 
which  enabled  the  enemy,  who  had  in  the  late  engage- 
ment been  detached  from  their  main  body,  to  join  Philip. 
On  the  Idth  September  information  was  received  by 
Maj.  Willard,  that  the  enemy  h'ui  successfully  attacked 
and  defeated  the  troops  under  the  command  of  Capt.  La- 
throp ;  that  they  were  ambushed  and  unexpectedly  sur- 
rounded by  a  thousand  of  the  enemy,  to  whom  they  all 
fell  a  sacrifice  except  three.  The  defeat  of  Capt.  La- 
throp took  place  in  the  neighborhood  of  Deerfield  ;  for 
the  defeuce  of  which  there  was  an  English  garrison,  who 
the  Indians  were  about  to  attack  when  Major  Willaid 
happily  arrived  ;  at  his  approach  they  fled. 

On  tae  10th  October  following,  a  party  of  Philip's  In- 
dians successfully  assaulted  the  town  of  Springfield, 
which  they  pillaged  and  set  fire  to,  killing  about  fortj  of 
the  inhabitants.  On  the  14th  they  assaulted  the  town  of 
Hatfield,  in  which  two  companies  under  the  command  of 
Capts.  Mosley  and  Appleton  were  stationed.  The  ene- 
my continued  the  attack  about  two  hours  ;  when  finding 
the  fire  of  the  English  too  warm  for  them,  they  fled,  leav- 
ing a  number  of  their  paru'  (U  ul  behind  them. 

Philip  now  finding  himseii'  clo-.ely  pursued  by  a  large 
and  formidable  body  of  ih^  Eijlish,  deemed  it  prudent 


INDIAN   WARS- 


all 

La- 

for 

who 

lard 


arge 
ident 


to  bend  his  course  towards  his  old  place  of  residence ; 
there  to  remain  till  the  ensuing  spring.  But  the  com- 
missioners of  the  united  colonies,  duly  reflecting  on  the 
deplorable  situation  of  their  defenceless  brethren  through- 
out the  country  ;  aware  that  there  were  then  much  greater 
number  of  their  savage  enemies  embodied  than  at  any 
former  period,  who,  if  suffered  peaceably  to  retire  into 
winter  quarters,  might  prove  too  powerful  for  them  the 
spring  ensuing,  sesolved  to  attack  the  whole  force  under 
Philip  in  their  winter  encampment ;  for  which  purpose 
every  Englishman  capable  of  bearing  arms  was  com- 
manded by  proclamation  of  the  governor,  to  hold  himself 
in  readiness  to  march  at  the  shortest  notice.  The  10th ' 
of  December  was  the  day  appointed  by  the  co»nmission- 
ers  on  which  the  decisive  blow  was  to  be  given.  Six 
companies  were  immediately  to  be  raised  in  Massachu- 
setts, consisting  in  the  whole  of  five  hundred  and  twenty- 
seven  men,  to  the  command  of  which  were  appointed 
Captains  Mosely,  Gardiner,  Davenport,  Oliver,  and 
Johnson.  Five  companies  were  raised  in  Connecticut, 
consisting  of  four  hundred  and  fifty  men,  to  the  com- 
mand of  which  were  appointed  Captains  Seely,  Mason, 
Gallop,  Watts,  and  Marshall ,  two  companies  in  Ply- 
mouth, of  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  who  were  com- 
manded by  Captains  Rice  and  Gorham.  Three  majors 
of  the  three  respective  divisions,  were  also  appointed,  to 
wit  : — Maj.  Appleton,  of  Massachusetts  ;  Maj.  Treat, 
of  Connecticut ;  and  Maj.  Bradford,  of  Plymouth.  The 
whole  force  consisting  of  1127  men,  were  com  landed 
by  Maj.  Gen.  Winsiow,  late  governor  of  the  colonies. 

On  the  7th  of  December,  the  combined  forces  cora- 
monced  their  march  for  the  head-quarters  of  the  enemy. 
At  this  inclement  season,  it  was  with  the  utmost  diffi- 
culty that  the  troops  were  enabled  to  penetrate  through 
a  wild  and  pathless  wood.  On  the  morning  of  the  9th, 
having  travelled  all  the  preceding  night,  they  arrived  at 
the  border  of  an  extensive  swamp,  in  which  they  were 
informed  by  their  guides  the  enemy  was  encamped  to 
the  number  of  4000.  The  English,  after  partaking  of  a 
little  refreshment,  formed  for  battle.  Capt.  Mosely  and 
Uapt.   Davenport  led  the  van,  and  Maj.  Appleton  and 


70 


INDIAN    WARS. 


Capt.  Oliver  broiiglit  up  the  rear  of  tlic  \fassachuset(8 
forces.  Gen.  Winslow,  with  the  Plymouth  troops, 
formed  the  cenlro  ;  the  Connectioiit  troops,  under  tho 
command  of  llieir  respective  captains,  lo^etlier  with  about 
two  hundred  of  the  Mohe<:;ans,  commanded  by  Oneco, 
the  son  of  Uncas.  brought  up  the  rear. 

It  was  soon  discovered  by  an  Indian  sent  for  (he  pur- 
pose, that  in  the  centre  of  tlic  swamp  tiu'y  had  built  a 
very  strong  fort;,  of  so  wise  a  construction,  thai  it  was 
with  difficulty  more  than  one  person  could  enter  it  at'  a 
time.  About  10  o'clock,  A.  M.  the  English,  with  the 
sound  of  trumpet,  entered  tho  swamp,  and  when  within 
about  fifty  rods  of  the  fort,  were  met  and  attacked  by 
the  enemy.  The  Indians  in  the  usual  manner,  shouting 
and  howling  like  l)easts  of  prey,  commenced  with  savago 
fury  ;  but  with  a  hideous  noise  the  English  were  not  in- 
timidated ;  charging  tiiem  with  unequalled  bravery,  the 
enemy  were  soon  glad  to  seek  siuMtcr  within  the  walls  of 
their  fort.  The  English  having  closely  pressed  upon 
tiie  enemy,  as  they  retreated,  found  themselves  in  a  very 
disagreeable  situation,  exposed  to  tlic  fire  of  the  Indians, 
who  were  covered  by  a  high  breastwork,  they  were  not 
even  enabled  to  act  on  the  defensive.  At  this  critical 
juncture  the  lion-hearted  Oneco,  with  the  assent  of  ^icn. 
Winslow,  offered  to  scale  the  walls  of  the  fort,  which 
being  approved  of  by  the  English  commanders,  Oneco, 
with  about  sixty  picked  men,  in  an  instant  ascended  to 
the  top  of  the  fort ;  where  having  a  fair  chance  of  the 
enemy,  they  hurled  their  tomahawks,  and  discharged 
their  arrows  with  such  success  among  them,  as  in  a  very 
short  time  to  throw  them  into  the  utmost  confusion. 
Those  who  attempted  to  escape  from  the  fort,  were  in- 
stantly cut  in  pieces  by  the  troops  without.  The  enemy 
finding  themselves  thus  hemmed  in,  and  attacked  on  all 
sides,  in  the  most  abject  terms,  begged  for  quarter,  which 
was  de'^ic;d  them  by  the  Juiglish.  A  great  proportion  of 
the  troops  being  now  mounted  on  the  walls  of  the  fort, 
they  had  nothing  to  do  but  load  and  fire,  the  enemy  be- 
ing penned  up  and  huddled  togetiier  in  such  a  manner, 
that  there  was  sca,cely  a  shot  lost.  This  bloody  con- 
test was  of  near  six  hours  continuance,  when  the  P^ng- 


by 


INDIAN    WARS. I 


7i 


iish,  perceiving  the  fort  filled  with  nought  but  dead,  or 
such  as  were  mortally  wounded,  closed  the  bloody  con- 
flict. 

The  scene  of  acfion  at  this  instant  was  indeed  such  as 
could  not  fail  to  shock  the  stoutest  heart.  The  hupje 
loa;s,  of  whioh  the  tort  was  constructed,  were  completely 
criinsonml  with  the  blood  of  the  enemy,  while  the  sur- 
roundinjn;  woods  resousKled  with  the  dying  groans  of  the 
wounded.  The  number  of  slain  of  the  enemy  in  this 
severe  engagement  could  not  be  ascertained  ;  it  was, 
however,  immense.  Of  4000,  supposed  to  have  been 
present  at  the  commencement  of  the  action,  not  two 
hundred  escaped  !  Among  whom  unfortunately  was  the 
treacherous*  Philip. 

After  the  close  of  this  desperate  action,  the  troops 
having  destroyed  all  in  their  power,  left  the  enemy's 
ground,  and  carrying  about  throe  hundred  wounded  men, 
marched  back  to  the  distance  of  sixteen  miles  to  head- 
quarters. The  night  proved  cold  and  stormy,  the  snow 
fell  deep,  and  it  was  not  Until  midnight  or  after  that  the 
troops  were  enabled  to  reach  their  place  of  destination. 
Many  of  the  wounded,  who  probably  otherwise  might 
have  recovered,  perished  with  the  cold  and  inconvenience 
of  a  march  so  fatiguing. 

Although  the  destruction  of  so  great  a  number  of  tlie 
enemy  was  considered  of  the  greatest  importance  to  the 
English,  yot  it  proved  a  conquest  dearly  bought.  It  was 
obtained  at  the  expense  of  the  lives  of  a  great  number  of 
privates,  fud  a  great  proportion  oi*  (heir  most  valuable 
ofllcjers  ;  urnong  whom  were  the  Captains  Davenport, 
Gardner,  Johnson,  Seely,  and  iVIarshall. 

The  courage  displayed  during  the  action  by  every 
part  of  the  army  ;  tiie  invincible  heroism  of  the  officers  ; 
the  firmness  and  resolution  ■  '"  the  soldiers,  "I^  n  they 
saw  their  captains  falling  before  them  ;  and  the  i'  irdships 
endured  before  and  after  the  engagement,  are  hardly 
credible,  and  rarely  find  a  parallel  in  ancient  or  mod  ^n 
ages.  The  cold  the  day  preceding  the  action  was  ex- 
treme, and  in  the  night  the  snow  fell  so  deep  as  to  ren- 
der it  extremely  difticult  for  the  army  to  move  the  day 
•ucceeding.     Four  hundred  of  the  soldiers  were  so  com- 


urn 


7S 


irfDiAlt    WARS. 


pletely  frozen  as  to  be  unfit  for  duty  !  The  Connecticut 
troops  were  the  most  disabled,  having  erdured  a  tedious 
maich  without  halting,  from  Stonins;ion  to  thf  place  of 
public  rendezvous.  They  sustained  too  n  ranch  grc itter 
loss  in  the  aciion,  in  proportion  to  their  numbers,  tlan 
the  troops  of  ihe  other  colonic..  The  b(jJ'.'  ak:'  intri  7  d 
Capt.,  Mason,  who  received  aiatal  wound  in  the  action, 
^jf  which  he  died  in  aoout  three  months  after,  was  the 
first  after  the  Mohegans  o  mount  the  walls  of  the  fort, 
nor  did  the  troops  under  his  command  fail  to  follow  i  !C 
noble  example.  On  enurae rating  tho  number  of  slain 
Hnd  woujided,  it  was  found  as  iollowa  : 


Of  the  Companies  commanded  by 


"•jp tains  Mosley,         10  killed, 

40  wounded. 

Oliver,          20 

48 

Gardner,       1 1 

32 

Johnson,       18 

38 

Davenport,  15 

19 

Gallop,         28 

43 

Seely,          32 

50 

Watts,         19 

33 

Mason,         40 

50 

Marshall,    25 

37 

Gorham,      30 

41 

Sachem  Oneco,       51 

82 

Total,    299 

513 

The  loss  of  the  troops  from  Connecticut  v/as  so  great, 
that  Maj.  Treat  considered  it  absolutely  necessary  to  re- 
turn immediately  home.  Such  of  the  wounded  as  were 
not  able  to  travel,  were  put  on  bo:  "d  a  vessel  and  con- 
veyed to  Stoiiington.  The  troop  •  •  their  return  killed 
and  captured  about  thirty  of  the  f.       y. 

Th  ^I9ssachusetts  and  Pi  •  jit»c  a  forces  kept  the  field 
the  ^.  •  er  part  of  the  winte;  .'Ley  ranged  the  cour- 
try,  took  a  number  of  prisoner  destroyed  about  three 
thousand  wigwams,  but  achiev:..  r/^  hing  very  biilliant 
or  decisive. 


•^  ir 


^• 


r 


% 


KING    PHILIP/ 


w 


■:■  it 


,i 


-.-.tSfe'.v^teMfc 


.^^^•^.-  ..-*"''^^. 


V    V 


T% 


■^■,  / 


"^KS't 


INDIAN  WARS. 


73 


■.f-....^< 


■  i- 1 


The  Nipnet  ai)d  Narraganset  tribes  being  by  the  late 
action  nearly  externiinated,  the  few  who  survived,  by  the 
direction  of  Philip,  fled  in  small  parties  to  different  parts 
of  the  country,  improving  every  opportunity  that  present- 
ed to  revenge  thr.  untimely  fate  of  their  brethren.  On 
the  10th  February,  1678,  about  one  hundred  or  them 
surprised  the  inhabitants  of  Lancaster,  a  part  of  whom, 
as  a  place  of  greater  safety,  had  the  day  previous  resort- 
ed to  the  dwelling  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rowland  ;  this  how- 
ever being  constructed  of  dry  logs,  was  set  on  fire  by  the 
Indians,  which  the  unfortunate  English  within  being  un- 
able to  extinguish  they  fell  victims  to  the  devouring 
flames.  On  the  21st  the  enemy  attacked  the  inhabitants 
of  Medfield  ;  twelve  of  whom  they  killed,  and  the  re- 
mainder made  captive. 

On  the  3d  March  the  Indians  still  continuing  their 
depredations,  two  companies  of  cavalry,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Capts.  Pierce  and  Watkins,  were  ordered  out 
for  the  purpose  of  affording  protection  to  the  defenceless 
inhabitants  of  towns  most  exposed  to  th  r  incursions. 
On  the  5th  they  marched  to  Patuxet,  near  svhp".?  there 
was  a  considerable  body  of  Indians  -^.ucamped,  r  >m  on 
the  morning  of  the  6th  they  fell  in  with  and  attacked. 
The  enemy  at  first  appeared  but  few  in  number  ;  but 
these  were  only  emplf)yed  to  decoy  the  English,  who  on 
a  sudden  found  themselves  surrounded  by  near  five  hun- 
dred Indians  ;  they  with  their  tomahawks  and  scalping 
knives  rushed  furiously  upon  them,  threatening  them  with 
instant  destruction.  The  English  acted  on  the  defensive, 
and  though  surrounded  by  five  times  their  ivr^bcr,  fought 
with  their  usual  spirit,  and  were  resolved  lo  sell  their 
lives  at  as  dear  a  rate  as  possible.  They  were  very  soon 
however  compelled  to  yield  to  the  superior  force  of  their 
savage  enemies.  Only  five  escaped.  Though  this  vic- 
tory was  of  considerable  importance  to  the  savages,  it 
•ost  a  numbet  of  their  bravest  warriors  ;  ninety-three  of 
vh)m  were  thr  next  day  found  dead  on  the  field  of  ac- 
t'j)».  There  were  in  this  engagement  about  twenty^ 
friendly  Indians  villi  the  En^ilish,  who  fought  like  des-^^' 
peradoes.  One  of  them  observing  Capt.  IMerce  unable 
to  stand,  in  coii-equerc^  cf  the  many  wounds  he  had  re- 

ItO 


74 


1f«UIAN    >TAI«$. 


ceived,  for  nearly  two  hours  bravely  defended  him  ;  when 
perceivinj;  his  own  iinminont  dant^er,  and  that  he  could 
afford  thr*  '  'tJiin  no  farther  assistance,  by  blacking  his 
face  as  loe  .1  ^    ly  had  done,  ho  escaped  unnoticed. 

On  the  25th  March  a  party  of  Indians  attacked  and 
burnt  the  towns  of  Weymouth  and  Warwick,  killing  a 
great  number  of  the  inhabitants.  On  the  10th  of  April 
following  they  pillaged  and  burnt  Rchobeth  and  Provi- 
dence. 

On  the  1st  of  May  a  company  of  English  and  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  Mohegans,  under  the  command  of  Capf. 
George  Dennison,  were  sent  in  pursuit  of  a  body  of  the 
enemy,  commanded  by  a  son  of  Miantinomi.  On  the  8th 
of  May  they  met  with  and  attacked  them  near  Groton. 
The  Indians  appeared  determined  on  victory  or  death, 
displaying  an  unusual  degree  of  courage  ;  but  the  Eng- 
lish and  Mohegans  proved  too  strong  for  them  ;  after  de- 
stroying a  greater  part  with  their  muskets  and  tomahawjts 
they  drove  the  remainder  into  a  neighboring  river,  where 
they  soon  perished. 

On  the  23d  Cononchet,  sachem  of  the  few  scattered 
remains  of  the  Narrnganscts,  proposed  to  his  council 
that  the  lands  bordering  on  Connecticut  river,  not  inhab- 
ited by  the  English,  should  be  planted  by  them  with  corn, 
for  their  futur?  su')sistcncc  ;  which  being  approved  of  by 
the  latter,  two  hundred  of  the  Narragansets  were  dis- 
patched for  that  purpose.  The  governor  being  apprized 
of  their  intentions,  sent  three  companies  of  cavalry  to  in- 
tercept them.  Al'out  one  hundred  of  the  Mohegans, 
under  tho  command  cl'  Oncco,  accompanied  the  English. 
The  enemy  were  commanded  by  Cononchot  in  person, 
who  first  proceeded  to  Seekonk  to  procu.e  seed  corn.  It 
was  in  the  neighb  rhood  of  thisplaee  that  they  were  first 
engaged  by  the  *  .lis'  and  Mohegans.  With  becom- 
ing bravery  the  enemy  lor  a  long  fimo  withstood  the  at- 
tack ;  but  being  poorly  provided  with  weapons,  were  at 
length  overpowered  and  compelled  to  yield  to  the  supe- 
rior force  of  their  enemies.  In  the  midst  of  the  action, 
Cononchet  being  fer.rful  of  the  issue,  deserted  his  men 
and  attempted  to  seek  shelter  in  a  neighboring  wood  ;  but 
Heing  rscognized  by  the  Mohegans,   they  pursued   him. 


INDIAN    WARS. 


75 


first 


Cononclict  perceiving  himself  nearly  ovcrlnken  by  his 
pursuers,  to  facilitnto  his  llij^ht,  first  threw  owoy  his 
blanket,  then  his  silver  laced  coal,  with  which  he  had 
been  presented  by  the  English  m  few  weeks  previous  ; 
but  finding  that  he  could  not  escape  from  his  pursuers  by 
flight,  he  plunged  into  a  river,  where  he  was  even  fol- 
lowed by  half  a  dozen  resolute  Mohegans,  who  laid  hold 
of  him,  forced  him  under  water  and  there  held  him  until 
drowned.  The  loss  of  the  English  and  Mohegans  in 
this  engagement  was  twelve  killed  and  twenty-one  woun- 
ded ;  that  of  the  enemy  was  forty-three  killed  and  about 
eighty  wounded. 

The  inhabitants  of  New-London,  Norwich  and  Ston- 
ington,  having  frequently  discovered  a  number  of  the  en- 
emy lurking  about  in  small  bodies  in  the  adjacent  woods, 
by  joint  agreement  voluntarily  enlisted  themselves,  to  the 
number  of  three  hundred,  under  the  command  of  Major 
Palmer,  and  Capts.  Dennison  and  Avery  who  with  the 
assistance  of  the  Mohegans  and  a  few  friendly  Narra- 
gansets,  in  three  expeditions  destroyed  nearly  one  thou- 
sand of  the  enemy. 

On  the  8th  of  June  the  Indians  assaulted  and  burnt 
Bridgewater,  a  small  settlement  in  the  colony  of  Massa- 
chusetts. Forty  of  its  inhabitants  fell  victims  to  savage 
barbarity. 

The  governor  and  council  of  Massachusetts  colony, 
aware  of  the  danger  to  which  many  of  the  inland  settle- 
ments were  exposed,  by  freequent  incursions  of  the  ene- 
my, and  finding  it  extremely  difficult  to  raise  a  sufficient 
force  to  oppose  them,  in  the  many  parts  to  which  the 
fragments  of  the  broken  tribes  had  resoiled,  adopted  th« 
policy  of  sending  among  them  as  spies,  such  Indians  as 
were  friendly  and  could  be  depended  upon  ;  which  plan 
had  its  desired  effect.  'I'hesc  Indians  representing  the 
force  of  the  English  much  greater  than  it  really  was,  and 
warning  the  enemy  of  danger  which  did  not  exist,  deter- 
red them  from  acting  in  many  instances  on  the  offensive. 
One  of  the  friendly  Indians  returning  to  Boston  on  the 
10th  of  July,  reported,  that  a  large  body  of  Indians  were 
emdodied  in  a  wood  near  Lnncaster,  which  village  they 
intended  to  attack  and  burn  ih  a  few  days  ;  that  they  had 


76 


INDIAN    WARI. 


been  encournged  to  continue  the  war  with  the  English, 
by  Frenchmen  from  the  great  lake,  who  had  supplied 
thein  with  fire-arms  and  amunitinn. 

On  the  receipt  of  this  important  information,  the  gov- 
ernor despatched  three  companies  of  cavalry,  under  com- 
mand of  Major  Savage,  for  the  defence  of  Lancaster, 
who  by  mistaking  the  road,  unfortunately  fell  into  an  am- 
bush of  about  three  hundred  and  fifty  Indians,  by  whom 
they  were  instantly  surrounded.  The  English  exhibited 
great  presence  of  mind,  and  repelled  the  attack  of  the  en- 
emy in  a  very  heroic  manner.  The  savages  being  how- 
ever well  provided  with  fire-arms,  soon  gained  a  com- 
plete victory  over  the  English,  whose  loss  in  this  unfoi- 
tunate  engagement  was  fifty-four.  The  number  of  kil- 
led and  wounded  of  the  enemy  could  not  be  ascertained, 
as  they  remained  masters  of  the  field  of  action. 

On  the  15th  a  severe  engagement  took  place  between 
a  company  of  English  cavalry  and  about  three  hundred 
of  the  enemy  near  Groton.  The  latter  were  not  percei- 
ved by  the  former  until  they  were  within  a  few  paces  of 
them,  the  Indians  having  concealed  themselves  in  the 
bushes,  when  suddenly  issuing  forth  with  a  hideous  yell, 
the  cavalry  were  thrown  into  confusion  ;  but  instantly 
forming  and  charging  the  enemy  with  great  spirit,  they 
fled  in  every  direction.  The  cavalry,  id  attempting  to 
pursue  then),  were  once  more  ambushed.  The  contest 
now  became  close  and  severe  ;  the  Indians  having  suc- 
ceeded in  decoying  the  English  into  a  thick  wood,  at- 
tacked them  with  fury  and  success.  The  commander  of 
the  English  being  killed,  every  man  sought  his  own  safe- 
ty. Of  ninely-five,  of  which  the  company  was  compos- 
ed, but  twelve  escaped.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  was  sup- 
posed to  be  much  greater. 

On  the  12th  of  August  a  party  of  Indians  entered  the 
town  of  Westtield,  killed  and  took  a  number  of  the  in- 
habitants prisoners,  and  burnt  several  houses.  Three  of 
them  soon  after  made  their  appearance  at  a  house  near 
said  town,  and  fired  at  a  man  at  his  door,  who  fell.  They 
ran  towards  him,  and  one  of  them  stopping  to  scalp  him, 
he  was  assaulted  by  the  man's  wife  with  a  stroke  from  a 
hatchet,  which  went  so  completely  into   his   body,  that 


INDIAN    WAR! 


77 


the 
in- 
e  of 
ear 
hey 
im, 
Bid  a 


with  three  different  efforts  she  could  not  disengnge  it, 
and  the  Indian  made  off  with  it  sticking  in  him.  A  sec- 
ond also  made  an  attempt,  when  she  by  a  well  directed 
blow  with  a  stick  sho  had  found,  luid  him  on  the  ground. 
The  third  then  run,  and  as  soon  as  the  other  had  recov- 
ered his  feet  followed  the  example  ;  on  which  the  woman 
took  her  husband  in  her  arms  and  carried  him  into  the 
house,  when  ho  soon  recovered.  • 

On  the  I7th  a  party  of  Indians  commenced  an  attack 
on  Northampton  ;  but  there  being  a  number  of  soldiers 
stationed  there,  the  enemy  was  repulsed. 

On  the  20th  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Springfield 
were  attacked  by  a  party  of  Indians,  as  they  were  re- 
turning from  divine  service  ;  although  the  former  were 
provided  with  fire-arms,  the  enemy  succeeded  in  making 
prisoners  of  two  women  and  several  children,  whom  they 
soon  after  tomahawked  and  scalped  ;  in  which  situation 
they  were  the  next  day  found  by  a  party  of  English  sent 
out  in  pursuit  of  the  » nemy.  One  of  the  unfortunate  wo- 
men, although  shockingly  mangled,  was  found  still  alive, 
and  so  far  recovered  as  to  be  able  to  speak,  gave  the  fol- 
lowing  account  of  the  fate  of  her  unfortunate  com  ... 
ions  :  that  they  were  first  severely  bound  with  cords,  iiui 
the  Indians  soon  after  built  a  fire,  regaling  thems  '/.f^s 
with  what  they  had  previously  stolen  from  the  ^'.^ghi-h  ; 
that  soon  after  a  warm  dispute  arose  between  t  leia  rela- 
tive to  the  prisoners,  each  claiming  the  women  for  Iheir 
squaws  ;  that  they  at  length  proceeded  to  blows,  and  af- 
ter beating  each  other  for  some  time  with  clubs,  it  wo- 
agreed  by  both  parties,  to  prevent  further  altercation, 
that  the  women  should  be  put  to  death,  which  as  she  sup- 
poses they  immediately  carried  into  execution.  The  un- 
fortunate narrator  received  a  severe  blow  on  the  head, 
which  brought  her  senseless  to  the  ground,  and  while  in 
this  situation  was  scalped  and  left  for  dead  by  her  savage 
enemies. 

The  inhabitants  of  Sudbury,  with  a  company  of  sol- 
diers, commanded  by  Lieut.  Jaeobs  of  Marlborough,  a- 
larmed  at  the  near  approach  of  the  enemy,  who  to  the 
number  of  about  two  hundred  were  encamped  near  that 
place,  resolved  to  attack  them  at  night ;  accordingly,  on 


■-i 


78 


INDIAN    WARS. 


the  6th  September  they  marched  within  view  of  them, 
and  at  night,  as  they  lay  extended  around  a  hirge  fire,  ap- 
proached them  unperceived  within  gim-shot,  when  they 
gave  them  the  contents  of  their  muskets.  Many  of  those 
that  remained  unhurt,  being  suddenly 'aroused  from  their 
slumbers  by  the  yell  of  their  wounded  brethren,  and  im- 
magining  that  they  were  completely  surrounded  by  the 
English,  whom  the  darkness  of  the  night  prevented  their 
seeing,  threw  themselves  into  the  fire  which  they  had' 
enkindled,  and  there  perished  ;  but  lew  if  any  escaped. 
In  this  attack  the  English  sustained  no  loss. 

On  the  25th,  a  consideiable  body  of  the  enemy  at- 
tacked the  inhabitants  of  Marlborougn  ;  many  of  whom 
they  killed.  A  company  of  English,  which  had  been 
ordered  from  Concord  for  the  defence  of  this  place,  wag 
cut  oflf  by  the  savages  and  totally  destroyed.  Two  other 
companies,  despatched  from  Boston  for  the  like  purpose, 
met  with  the  same  fate.  It  appeared  that  the  governor, 
on  learning  tho  situation  of  the  unfortunate  inhabitants 
of  iMarlborough,  despatched  to  their  relief  two  compa- 
nies under  the  command  of  Capts.  Wads  worth  and 
Smith,  who,  before  they  arrived  at  the  place  of  destina- 
tion, were  informed  that  the  savages  had  left  Marlbor- 
ough nnd  proceeded  to  Sudbury,  twelve  miles  distant, 
which  induced  the  English  to  alter  their  course  and 
proceed  immediately  for  the  latter  place.  Of  this  it  ap- 
peared that  the  enemy  had  been  apprised  by  their  run- 
ners, and  had  laid  a  plan  to  cut  them  oflf  ere  they  should 
reach  Sudbury,  which  they  in  the  following  manner 
completely  eflfected.  Learning  the  course  which  the 
English  would  take,  they,  within  a  few  rods  thereof,  sta- 
tioned fifty  or  sixty  of  their  number  in  an  open  field,  who 
were  ordered  to  retreat  into  a  neighboring  thicket  as 
soon  as  discovered  and  pursued  by  the  English.  In  this 
place  the  remainder  of  the  Indians,  to  the  number  of 
about  three  hundred,  concealed  themselves  by  lying  pros- 
irate  on  their  bellies.  The  English  on  their  arrival, 
espying  the  Indians  in  the  field,  and  presuming  them  to 
be  but  few  in  number,  pursued  ana  attacked  them,  who 
very  soon  retreated  to  the  fatal  spot  where  their  treach- 
erous brethren  lay  concealed,  and  prepared  to  give  their 


INDIAN    WARS. 


79 


pursuers  a  warm,  if  not  a  fatal  recoption.  Here  they 
were  closely  pursued  by  the  Knglish,  who  too  late  dis- 
covered the  fatal  snare  which  had  been  laid  for  them. 
In  an  instant  they  were  completely  surrounded  and  at- 
tacked on  all  sides  by  the  savages.  The  English  for 
several  hours  bravely  defended  themselves,  but  at  length 
were  borne  down  by  numbers  far  superior  to  their  own. 
Thus  fell  the  brave  Capt.  Wadsworth,  and  Capt.  Smitli, 
as  well  as  most  of  the  troops  under  their  command. 

The  Indians  bordering  on  the  river  Merrimack,  feeling 
themselves  injured  by  the  encrQachments  of  the  English, 
once  more  resumed  the  bloody  tomahawk,  which  had 
been  buried  for  a  number  of  years.  On  the  1st  of  No- 
vember, they  in  a  considerable  body,  entered  the  village 
of  Chelmsford  and  Woburn,  and  taking  advantage  of 
their  weak  state,  indiscriminately  put  to  death  every  in- 
habitant they  contained,  sparing  not  the  infant  at  the 
breast.  On  the  9th,  they  burnt  the  house  ol  a  Mr. 
Ezra  Eames,  near  Concord  ;  killed  his  wife,  threw  her 
body  into  the  flames,  and  made  captives  of  his  children. 
On  the  15th,  they  took  prisoner  a  young  woman,  sixteen 
years  of  age,  who  by  the  family  with  whom  she  resided, 
had  been  placed  on  a  hill  in  the  neighborhood  of  their 
dwelling,  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy.  The  ac- 
count wiiich  thB  young  woman  gave  of  her  capture  and 
escape  was  as  follows  :  That  on  the  morning  of  her  cap- 
ture, the  family  having  been  informed  that  a  party  of  In- 
dians had  the  day  previously  been  discovered  in  a  neigh- 
boring wood,  she,  by  their  request,  ascended  a  hill  near 
the  house,  to  watch  their  motions,  and  alarm  the  family, 
if  seen  approaching.  That  about  noon  she  discovered  a 
number  of  them  ascending  the  hill,  in  great  haste.  She 
immediately  attempted  to  evade  them  by  retiring  into  a 
thicket  ;  but  the  Indians,  who  it  appeared  had  before 
observed  her,  found  her  after  a  few  moments  search,  and 
compelled  her  to  accompany  them  to  their  settlement, 
about  forty  miles  distant.  It  was  here  they  gave  her  to 
understand  she  must  remain  and  become  their  squaw,  and 
dress  and  cook  their  victuals.  She  remained  with  them 
about  three  weeks  ;  during  which  time,  they  made  seve- 
ral expeditions  against  the  English,  and  returned  with  a 


'-     i\ 


80 


INDIAN    WARS. 


great  number  of  human  scalps.  On  the  night  of  the  6th 
J)ecember,  they  returned  with  six  horses,  which  they  had 
stolen  from  the  English,  which  having  turned  into  a  small 
enclosure,  they  set  out  on  a  new  expedition.  She  viewed 
this  as  a  favorable  opportunity  to  ♦scape — to  effect  which, 
she  caught  and  mounted  one  of  the  horses,  and  making 
use  of  a  strip  of  bark  for  a  bridle,  she  penetrated  a  wild 
and  pathless  wood,  and  arrived  at  Concord,  at  seven 
o'clock  the  morning  succeeding,  having  travelled  all  the 
preceding  night,  to  evade  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy  !  In 
like  manner,  did  one  of  the  children  of  Mr.  Eames  escape 
from  the  Indians,  although  but  ten  years  of  age  ;  he 
travelled  sixty  miles  through  an  uninhabited  wood,  sub- 
sisting on  acorns. 

On  the  12th  December,  a  party  of  Indians  attacked 
and  killed  several  of  the  inhabitants  of  Bradford.  The 
governor  of  Massachusetts  colony,  for  the  protection  of 
the  defenceless  inhabitants  bordering  on  the  Merrimack, 
ordered  the  raising  and  equipping  of  four  companies  of 
cavalry,  to  the  command  of  which  were  appointed  Cap- 
tains Sill,  Holyoke,  Cutler,  and  Prentice. 

On  the  23d  the  troops  proceeded  for  the  borders  of 
the  Merrimack,  and  on  the  26th  foil  in  with  a  considera- 
ble body  of  the  enemy,  v;hom  tiioy  engaged  and  com- 
pletely defeated.  On  the  4th  of  January,  1679,  Capt. 
Prentice,  detached  f r  m  the  main  body,  fell  in  with  and 
engaged  about  one  hu'.dred  of  the  enemy  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Amherst,  whom  he  likewise  defeated,  but 
with  considerable  loss  on  his  part. 

,On  the  6th,  a  son  of  the  brave  Capt.  Holyoke,  of 
Springfield,  received  ihformation  that  a  number  of  the 
enemy  in  small  bodies  were  skulking  about  in  the  woods 
bordering  on  that  town,  with  twenty  resolute  young  men 
marched  out  to  attack  them.  Falling  in  with  a  consid- 
erable body  of  them,  an  eug;ii;eincnt  ensued,  which, 
though  severe,  terminated  at  length  in  favor  of  the  Eng- 
lish. The  Indians  being  furnished  with  muskets,  were 
unwilling  to  give  ground,  and  would  probably  have  re- 
mained masters  of  the  field  of  action  had  not  the  English 
received  a  reinforcement  which  put  them  to  Might.  The 
lOwS  of  the  £nglisM  in  the  engagement  was  five  killed 


ihdian  wari. 


81 


and  nine  wounded,  and  that  of  the  enemy  twenty-three 
killed,  and  between  thirty  and  forty  wounded. 

The  savages  were  no  longer  confined  to  any  particu- 
lar tribe  or  place,  but  in  parties  of  from  fifty  to  one  hun- 
dred were  scatered  all  over  the  thin  inhabited  parts  of 
Naw-England.  A  considerable  body  of  them  were  yet 
in  the  neighborhood  of  Hadley,  Deerfield  and  North- 
ampton, where  ihey  were  continually  committing  their 
wanton  acts  of  barbarity.  Several  of  the  towns  above 
mentioned  duly  reflecting  on  the  danger  to  which  they 
and  their  families  were  exposed,  formed  themselves  into 
several  companies  and  made  choice  of  their  commanders. 
On  the  4th  February  they  received  information  that 
there  \vere  near  two  hundred  Indians  embodied  in  a 
swamp  in  the  neighborhood  of  Deerfield,  the  above  force 
marched  to  attack  them.  Arriving  within  view  about 
day-break,  they  discovered  them  in  a  profound  sleep, 
stretched  out  upon  the  ground  around  their  fire.  The 
cavalry  immediately  dismounted,  and  after  forming,  ap- 
proached within  pistol  shot,  before  they  were  discovered 
by  the  enemy  ;  who  being  suddenly  aroused  from  sleep, 
and  astonished  at  the  unexpected  appearance  of  so  many 
of  their  enemies,  fell  an  easy  prey  to  the  English,  who 
without  the  loss  of  a  man  killed  one  hundred  and  twenty 
of  th^m  ;  the  remainder,  as  the  only  means  of  escape, 
having  plunged  into  a  river,  where  probably  many  of 
them  perish<;d 

Although  the  English  achieved  this  action  without  any 
loss  on  their  part,  they  were  on  their  rctiirn  unhapily 
ambushed  by  about  four  hundred  of  the  enemy.  The 
English  having  expended  all  their  amunition  in  the  late 
engagement,  and  bcini;,  much  fatigued,  were  now  in  turn 
likely  to  fall  an  easy  prey  to  their  enemies,  who  v^ith 
their  bloody  knives  and  tomahawks,  for  the  space  of  an 
hour  attacked  them  with  the  greatest  success.  Not  one 
of  the  English  it  is  probable  would  have  survived  Ihis 
bold  and  unexpected  attack  of  the  enemy,  had  it  not  have 
been  for  the  presence  of  mind  of  their  brave  .ommander, 
Capt.  Holyoke,  who  by  a  stratagem  succeeded  in  savirig 
a  party  of  them.  Capt.  Holyoke  had  his  horse  killed 
under  him,  and  at  one  time  was  attacked  by  five  of  the 

11 


S2 


iNUIAN    WARS. 


ih 


ti  1 


V     [ 
> 


enemy,  whom  he  beat  o?T  with  his  cutlass.  The  loss  of 
the  English  in  this  unfoi  tunate  action  was  fifty-one  kil- 
led and  84  wounded  ;  mnny  of  the  latter  survived  the  ac- 
tion but  a  few  days.  The  defeat  and  destruction  of  the 
English  in  this  engagement  was  much  to  be  lamented,  as 
among  the  slain  were  the  heads  of  several  families,  who 
had  volunteered  their  services  in  defence  of  their  infant 
tettlement.  ' 

On  the  10th  severnl  hundreds  of  the  enemy,  encoura- 
ged by  their  late  success,  appeared  before  Hatfield  and 
fired  several  dwelling  houses  without  the  fortifications  of 
the  town.  The  inhabitants  of  Hadley  being  seasonably 
apprized  of  the  situation  of  their  brethren  of  Hatfield,  a 
number  of  them  volunteered  their  services  and  marched 
to  their  relief.  The  Indians,  as  they  were  accustomed 
to  do  on  the  approach  of  the  English,  lay  flat  on  their 
bellies  until  the  latter  had  advanced  to  within  bow-shot, 
when  partly  rising,  they  discharged  a  shower  of  arrows 
among  them,  which  wounded  several  of  the  F^nglish  ;  but 
they  having  wisely  reserved  their  fire,  now  in  turn  lev- 
elled their  pieces  with  the  best  effect,  before  the  savHges 
had  time  to  recover  their  legs  ;  about  thirty  of  the  ene- 
my were  instantly  dispatched,  and  the  remainder  were 
dispersed. 

On  the  15th  February  the  governor  of  Massachusetts 
colony  received  information  that  the  Indians  were  col- 
lecting in  great  numbers  under  the  immediate  direction 
of  Philip,  near  Brookfield,  they  despatched  Capt.  Hench- 
man with  fifty  men  to  dislodge  them.  He  proceeding 
ttoJHadley  was  joined  by  %company  of  cavalry  from  ! !  art- 
fowl.  On  the  20th  they  discovered  and  attacked  a  par- 
ty near  Lancaster  ;  of  whom  they  killed  fifty,  and  took 
between  fifty  and  sixty  of  their  squaws  and  children  pri- 
soiers.  Capt.  Henchman  on  his  way  to  Brookfield  dis- 
covered the  dead  bodies  of  several  of  his  countrymen 
half  consumed  by  fire,  who  it  appeared  had  a  few  days 
previously  fallen  victims  to  the  wanton  barbarity  of  the 
savages. 

As  the  scattered  remains  of  the  Indiana  were  harrased 
and  driven  at  the  time  from  place  to  place  by  the  English, 
a  number  of  them  resorted  to  the  western  country,  then 


I 


INDIAIf    WABi. 


S3 


inhabited  by  IheMohawlss  ;  but  the  latter  being  on  friend- 
ly terms  with  the  English  and  Dutch,  who  were  settling 
among  them,  were  unwilling  to  harbor  their  enemies ; 
consequently  attacked  a  considerable  body  of  them  on 
the  5th  March.  The  engagement  was  a  severe  one  ;  the 
fugitive  Indians  being  provided  with  fire-arms,  repelled 
the  attack  of  the  Mohawks  with  a  becoming  spirit  ;but 
were  at  lengih  overpowered  and  completely  defeated. 
The  loss  on  both  sides  was  very  great.  . 

On  the  20th  the  Indians  took  a  Mr.  Willet  prisoner, 
near  Swanzey,  and  after  cutting  off  his  nose  and  ears,  set 
him  at  liberty.  On  the  22d  a  negro  man  who  had  been 
for  several  months  a  prisoner  among  the  savages,  escaped 
from  them  and  returned  to  the  English,  to  whom  he  gave 
the  following  information  :  That  the  enemy  were  con- 
certing a  plan  to  attack  Taunton,  and  the  villages  adja- 
cent :  that  for  this  purpose  there  were  then  embodied  near 
Worcester  one  thousand  of  them,  at  the  head  of  whom 
was  Philip,  and  near  one  huiidred  of  them  were  furnish 
ed  with  fire- arms  :  that  a  few  days  previous  to  his  escape 
a  scouting  party  arrived  and  brought  in  with  them  two 
prisoners  of  war  and  three  human  scalps.  To  frustrate 
the  intention  of  the  enemy,  the  governor  of  Massachu- 
setts colony  despatched  three  companies  of  cavalry,  for 
the  defence  of  Taunton. 

Thf'  English  of  Connecticut  eolony,  although  ?>ut  lit- 
tle troubled  with  the  enemy  since  the  destruction  of  the 
Pecuots,  were  not  unwilling  to  afford  their  brethren  all 
the  assistance  possible  in  a  protracted  and  bloody  war 
with  the  common  enemy.  They  accordingly  furnished 
three  companies  of  cavalry,  who  under  the  command  of 
the  experienced  Maj.  Taicott,  o;a  the  5th  April  proceed- 
ed to  the  westward  in  search  of  the  enemy.  On  the  1 1th 
they  fell  iti  with  arid  defeated  a  considerable  body  of 
them.  Apparently  by  the  special  direction  of  Divine 
Providence,  Maj.  Taicott  arrived  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Hadley,  in  time  to  preserve  the  town,  and  sdve  its  inhab- 
itants from  total  destruction,  The  savages  to  the  num- 
ber of  five  hundred,  wore  on  the  eve  of  commencing  an 
attack  when  they  were  met  by  the  major,  with  the  troops 
under  his  command.     This  unexpected  relief  adimating 


S4i 


INDIAN    WARS. 


i 


i 


the  few  inhabitants  which  the  town  contained,  they  has- 
tened to  the  assistance  of  the  cavalry,  who  were  at  this 
moment  seriously  engaged  with  the  whole  body  of  the 
enemy.  The  savages  having  gained  some  signal  advan- 
tages,  victory  for  a  considerable  time  appeared  likely  to 
decide  in  their  favor.  Fortunately  for  the  inhabitants 
of  Hadley  they  had  for  their  defence  a  few  weeks  previ- 
ous procured  from  Boston  an  eight  pound  cannon,  which 
at  this  critical  period,  loaded  by  the  women  and  being 
mounted,  was  by  them  conveyed  to  the  English,  which 
being  charged  with  small  shot,  nails,  &.c.  was  by  the  lat- 
ter discharged  with  the  best  etfect  upon  the  enemy,  who 
immediately  fled  in  every  direction.  Thus  it  was  that 
the  English  in  a  great  measure  owed  the  preservation  of 
their  lives  to  the  unexampled  heroism  of  a  few  women. 

The  governor  and  council  of  the  united  colonies,  ta- 
king under  serious  consideration  the  miraculous  escape 
of  the  inhabitants  of  Hadl6y  from  total  destruction,  and 
the  recent  success  of  the  arms  of  the  English  in  various 
parts  of  the  country,  appointed  the  27th  day  of  August, 
1697,  to  be  observed  throughout  the  colonies  as  a  day 
of  public  Thanksgiving  and  Praise  to  Almighty  God. 
It  may  be  well  to  observe,  that  this  was  the  commence- 
ment of  an  annual  custom  of  our  forefathers,  which  to  the 
present  day  is  so  religiouslj  observed  by  their  descend- 
ants throughout  the  New-England  states. 

On  the  3d    September  the  Connecticut  troops   under 
the  command  of  Maj.  Talcott  and  Capts.  Dennison  and 
Newbury,  proceeded  to  Narraganset  in  quest  of  the  en- 
emy, who  to  the  number  of  about  three  hundred  had  been 
discovered  in  a  piece  of  wood.     The  English  were  ac- 
companied by  their  faithful  friend  Oneco,  with  one  hun- 
dred Mohegans  under  his  command.     In  the  evening  of 
the  5th,  they  discovered  the  savages   encamped    at  the 
foot  of  a  steep  hill,  on  \\hich  Maj.  Talcott  made  arrange- 
ments for  an  attack.     The  Mohegans  were  ordered  by 
a  circuitous  rout  to  gain  the  summit  to  prevent  the  flight 
of  the  enemy.     Two  companies  of  cavalry  were  ordered 
to  flank  them  on  the  right  and  left,  while  Maj.  Talcott, 
with  a  company  of  foot  stationed   himself  in   the  rear  * 
Having  thus  disposed  of  his  forces,  a  signal  was  given  by 


INDIAN    WA113. 


85 


and 


him  for  the  Mohcgans  to  commence  the  attaclc,  which 
they  did  with  much  spirit,  accompanied  with  such  savage 
yells,  that  had  the  enemy  been  renowned  for  their  val- 
our, they  must  have  been  to  the  highest  degree  appalled 
at  so  unexpected  an  attack.  After  contending  for  a  few 
moments  with  the  Mohegans,  the  enemy  were  attacked 
on  the  right  and  left  by  the  cavalry,  who  with  their  cut- 
lasses made  great  havoc  among  them  ;  they  were  howev- 
er unwilling  to  give  ground  until  they  had  lost  nearly  one 
half  their  number  when  they  attempted  a  flight  to  a 
swamp  in  their  rear  ;  but  here  they  were  met  by  Major 
Talcott,  with  the  company  of  foot,  who  gave  them  such 
a  warm  reception,' that  they  once  more  fell  back  upon 
the  Mohegans,  by  whom  they  were  soon  overpowered, 
and  would  have  been  totally  destroyed,  had  not  IVIaj.  Tal- 
cott humanely  interfered  in  their  behalf,  and  made  pris- 
oner of  the  few  that  remained  alive.  Among  the  latter 
was  the  leader,  a  squaw  who  was  called  the  queen  of 
Narragansett ;  and  among  them  an  active  young  fellow, 
who  begged  to  be  delivered  into  the  hands  of  the  Mohe- 
gans, that  they  might  put  him  to  death  in  their  own  way, 
and  sacrifice  him  to  their  cruel  genius  of  revenge,  in 
which  they  so  much  delighted. 

The  English,  although  naturally  averse  to  acts  of  sav- 
age barbarity,  were  not  in  this  instance  unwilling  to  com- 
ply with  the  unnatural  request  of  the  prisoner,  as  it  ap- 
peared that  he  had  in  the  presen'ie  of  the  Mohegans  ex- 
ultingly  boasted  of  having  killed  nineteen  English  with 
his  gun,  since  the  commencement  of  the  war,  and  after 
loading  it  for  the  twentieth  (there  being  no  more  of  the 
latter  within  reach)  he  levelled  at  a  Mohegan,  whom  he 
killed,  which  completing  his  number,  he  was  willing  to 
die  by  their  hands.  The  Mohegans  accordingly  began  to 
prepare  for  the  tragical  event.  Forming  themselves  into 
a  circle,  admitting  as  many  of  the  English  as  were  dis- 
posed to  witness  their  savage  proceedings,  the  prisoner  was 
placed  in  the  centre.  When  one  of  the  Mohegans,  who 
in  the  late  engagement  had  lost  a  son,  with  a  knife  cut  off 
the  prisoner's  ears !  then  his  nose !  and  then  the  fingers 
of  each  hand  !  and  after  the  relapse  of  a  few  moments, 
dug  out  his  eyes  and  filled  their  sockets  with  hot  embers ! 


] 


i  i 


8G 


INDIAN    WAIIS. 


Although  the  fow  English  present  were  overcome  with  a 
view  of  a  scene  so  shocking  to  huaianity,  yet  the  prisoner, 
so  far  from  bewailing  liis  fatcj  secmied  to  surpass  iiis  tor- 
mentors in  expressions  of  joy  !  VV  Iicn  nearly  exhausted 
with  the  loss  of  blood,  and  unable  to  stand,  his  execution-^ 
er  closed  the  tragic  scene  by  beating  out  his  brains  with  a 
tomahawk  ! 

The  few  I  ..Hans  that  now  remained  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Plymouth  colony,  being  in  a  state  of  starvation, 
they  surrendered  themselves  prisoners  to  the  English  ;  one 
of  whom  being  recognised  as  the  person  who  had  a  few 
days  previously  inhumanly  murdered  the  daughter  of  a 
Mr.  Clarke,  was  by  order  of  the  governor  publicly  exe- 
cuted. Tilt!  remainder  were  retained  and  treated  as  pris- 
oners, who  served  as  guides ;  twenty  more  of  the  enemy 
were  on  the  succeeding  day  surprised  and  taken  prisoners 
by  the  English. 

The  troops  under  the  command  of  Maj.  Bradford,  and 
Capts.  Mosely  and  Brattle,  on  the  13th  September,  sur- 
prised and  took  one  hundred  and  fifty  of  the  enemy  pris- 
oners near  Pautuxet,  among  whom  was  the  squaw  of  the 
celebrated  Philip ;  and  on  the  day  succeeding,  learning 
that  the  enemy  in  considerable  bodies  were  roving  about 
in  the  woods  near  Dedham,  Major  Bradford  despatched 
Capt.  Brattle  with  fifty  men  to  attack  them  ^  who,  the 
day  following,  fell  in  with  and  engaged  about  one  hundred 
of  them.  As  hatchets  were  the  only  weapons  with  which 
they  were  provided,  they  made  but  a  feeble  defence,  and 
were  soon  overpowered  by  the  English,  vvho  took  seventy- 
four  of  them  prisoners  :  the  remainder  having  fallen  in  the 
action.  The  above  party  was  commanded  by  a  blood- 
thirsty sachem,  called  Pompham,  renowned  for  his  bodily 
strength  which  exceeded  that  of  any  of  his  countrymen 
ever  met  with.  He  bravely  defended  himself  to  the  last ; 
being  vvounded  in  the  breast,  and  unable  to  stand,  he 
seized  one  of  the  soldiers  while  in  the  set  of  despatching 
him  with  the  butt  of  his  gun,  and  by  whom  he  would  have 
been  strangled,  had  he  not  been  fortunately  rescued  by 
one  of  his  comrades. 

A  general  famine  now  prevailed  among  the  enemy,' in 
consequenre  of  being  deprived  of  an  opportunity  to  plant 


r 


INDIAN    VVAKS. 


S7 


their  lands  ;  numbers  were  daily  compelled  by  hunger  to 
surrender  themselves  prisoners  to  the  Englisit;  among 
whom  V  .  a  Nipnet  sachem,  accompanied  by  one  hundred 
and  eight)  of  his  tribe. 

On  the  12ih  of  October,  Capt.  Church,  with  fifty  sol- 
uiers  and  a  few  friendly  Indians  under  his  command,  de- 
feated a  party  of  the  enemy  near  Providence  ;  and  on  the 
day  following,  conducted  by  Indian  guides,  discovered  a 
considerable  body  of  th»  ;nemy  encamped  in  a  swamp 
near  Pomfret.  A  friendly  Indian  at  first  espying  them, 
commanded  them  to  surrender  ;  but  the  enemy  did  not 
appear  disposed  tO  <  ;ey.  Being  sheltered  by  large  trees, 
they  first  discharged  i*  'lir  arrows  among  the  English,  and 
then  with  a  terrible  }ell  attacked  them  with  their  long 
knives  and  tomahawks.  The  English  meeting  with  a 
much  warmer  reception  than  what  they  expected,  gave 
ground,  but  being  rallied  by  their  old  and  experienced 
commander,  Capt.  Church,  they  rushed  upon  them  with 
such  impetuosity  that  the  enemy  were  thrown  into  con- 
fusion and  dislodged  from  their  coverts.  The  English  had 
seven  men  killed  and  fourteen  wounded  ;  among  the  lat- 
ter was  their  brave  commander,  who  received  an  arrow 
through  his  left  arm.  Tho  loss  of  the  enemy  was  thirty- 
two  killed,  and  betweei*  ,ixty  and  seventy  wounded. 

On  the  20th,  informalu  ->  was  forwarded  to  the  governor 
and  council,  that  the  i  :mous  Philip,  who  had  been  for  a 
long  time  skulking  about  in  the  woods  near  Mount  Hope, 
much  disheartened  by  the  ill  success  of  his  countrymen, 
was  the  morning  preceding  discovered  in  a  swamp  near 
that  place,  attended  by  ibout  ninety  Seaconet  Indians;  on 
which  the  brave  Capt.  Church,  with  his  little  band  of  in- 
vincibies,  were  immediately  despatched  in  pursuit  of  him. 
Capt.  Church  was  accompanied  as  usual  by  a  number  of  : 
Mohegans,  and  a  few  friondly  Seaconet  Indians.  On  the 
27th  they  arrived  in  the  neigliborhood  of  the  swamp,  near 
the  border  of  which  he  stationed  several  of  the  Mohegans, 
and  a  few  friendly  Seaconet  Indians  to  intercept  Philip  in 
case  he  should  attempt  an  escape.  Capt.  Church,  at  the 
head  of  his  little  htuA.  now  with  unconquerable  resolution 
plunged  into  the  >  np,  and  wading  nearly  to  his  waist 
in  water,  discovered  tl  t  sncmy.   The  Indians  were  nearly 


98 


INDIAN    WARS. 


I'  < 


one  Midred  strung,  but  h^ing  unexpectedly  attacked  they 
niad<^  no  resistance,  but  fled  in  evf  i y  direction.  The  in- 
accessible state  of  the  ;iWamp,  however,  prevented  the 
English  from  pursuing  them  with  success.  Their  de- 
pendance  was  now  upon  their  friend-,  stitioned  without. 
Nor  did  it  appear  that  those  faithlul  fellows  suffered  so 
good  an  opportunity  to  pass  unimproved.  The  repjrts  of 
their  muskets  convinced  Capt.  Church  they  were  doing 
their  duty ;  in  confirmation  of  which,  he  was  very  soon 
after  presented  with  the  head  of  King  Philip. 

Philip,  it  appeared,  in  attempting  to  fly  from  nis  pur- 
suers, was  recognized  by  one  of  the  English,  who  had 
been  stationed  with  the  Mohegans  to  intercept  him,  and 
at  whom  he  levelled  his  piece,  but  the  priming  being  un- 
fortunately wet  and  preventing  the  discharge,  the  cunning 
sachem  would  have  escaped  had  not  one  of  the  brave  sons 
of  Uncas,  at  this  instant,  given  him  the  contents  of  his 
musket.  The  ball  went  directly  through  his  heart.  Thus 
fell,  by  the  hands  of  a  faithful  Mohegan,  the  famous 
Philip ;  who  was  the  projector  and  instigator  of  a  war, 
ivbich  not  only  proved  the  cause  of  his  own  destruction, 
biu  that  of  nearly  all  his  tribe,  one  of  the  most  numerous 
o^any  inhabiting  New-England. 

It  was  at  this  important  instant  that  the  English  were 
made  witnesses  of  a  remarkable  instance  of  savage  cus- 
toms. Oneco,  on  learning  that  Philip  had  fallen  by  the 
hand  of  one  of  his  tribe,  urged  that  agreeably  to  their 
custom,  he  had  an  undoubted  right  to  the  body,  and  a 
right  to  feast  himself  with  a  piece  of  it !  The  English 
not  objecting,  he  deliberately  drew  his  long  knife  from 
the  girdle,  and  cut  a  piece  of  flesh  from  the  bleeding  body 
of  Philip,  of  about  one  pound  weight,  which  he  broiled 
and  eat ;  in  the  mean  time  declaring  that  he  had  not  for 
many  moons  eaten  any  thing  with  so  good  an  appetite ! 
The  head  of  Philip  was  severed  from  his  body  and  sent 
by  Capt.  Church  to  Boston,  to  be  presented  to  the  gov- 
ernor and  council,  as  a  valuable  trophy. 

The  few  hostile  Indians  that  now  remained  within  the 
united  colonies,  conscious  tb-U  if  so  fortunate  as  to  evade 
the  vigilance  of  the  English,  they  must  soon  fall  victims 
to  the  prevailing  faminejAed  witTi  their  families  far  to  the 


4 


;.*: 


INUIAIf    WARS 


80 


:ed  they 
The  in- 
ited  the 
heir  de- 
without. 
(Tered  so 
;p  )rts  of 
re  doing 
ery  soon 

nis  pur- 
vho  had 
bim,  and 
eing  un- 
I  cunning 
rave  sons 
is  of  his 
t.  Thus 
s  famous 
f  a  war, 
struction, 
lumerous 

lish  were 

^'age  cus- 

;n  by  the 

to  their 

ly,  and  a 

^  English 

life   from 

ling  body 

le  broiled 

id  not  for 

appetite ! 

and  sent 

the  gov- 

vithin  the 
;  to  evade 
ill  victims 
far  to  the 


bury  tli(3  liitciiet,  and  ti 
pursuits  ;  u  hen,  by  i, 
the  natives  in  the  v:\'v 
Maine)  had  unprovoked! 


westward.  The  F.nalish  Wi?ro  disposed  rathor  to  facili- 
t.itc  than  picvful  ilu'ir  tliglit.  Iliuing  been  for  a  nuuiber 
of  years  enga;nt'd  in  a  desirnctive  and  bloody  war  with 
them,  they  were  willing  that  tlie  few  who  remained  alive 
should  escape  to  a  coinitry  so  far  distant  that  there  was 
no  probability  ol  their  returning  to  reassume  the  bloody 
tomahawk.  Iuipress«ul  ith  these  ideas,  and  that  the 
enemv  was  etjuipletel,  i      »nninated,  thev  were  about  to 

I     ir  attention  to  agricultural 
if>:S;  they  were   inforated    that 
I  of  the  country  (Province  of 
.   ,ckcd  and  killed  a  considera- 
ble number  of  tiie  Kngiish  in  that  quarter. 

To  quench  the  flames  which  ap|)eared  to  be  enkmdling 
§  in  the  cast,  the  governor  despatched  four   c  impanies    of 

jl  cavalry  to  the  relief  of  the  unfortunate  inhabitants.     The 

enemy,  who  were    of  the    Kennebeck  and  Amoscoggin 
tribes,  first   attacked   with   unprecedented    fury  the   de- 
fenceless inhabitants  settled  on  Kennebeck  river,  the  most 
of  whom  were  destroyed  or  dispersed  by  them. 
i  On  the  2d  of  November  about  seven    hundred   of   the 

1  enemy  attacked,  with  their  actcustomed  fury,  the  inhabit- 
'  ants  of  Newchewannick,  an  Eniilish  settlement  situated  a 
few  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  riVc^r  Kennebeck.  Be- 
fore they  Irad  fully  accomplished  their  hc^Hish  purpose, 
they  were  surprised  by  the  troops  sent  from  Boston,  be- 
tween whom  a  most  bloody  engagement  ensued.  The 
Indians  encouraged  by  their  numbers,  re])elled  the  attack 
of  the  F-iifilish  in  so  heroic  a  manner,  that  the  latter  were 
very  soon  thrown  into  disorder  and  driven  out  of  town, 
where  they  ngiiin  formed,  faced  about,  and  in  turn 
charged  the  enemy  with  unconquerable  resolution.  The 
contest  now  became  close  nnd  severe.  The  savages 
with  their  terrific  yoHs  dexterously  hurled  their  toma- 
hawks among  the  Enalish,  while  the  latter,  with  as 
much  dexterity,  attacked  and  mowed  them  d  »wn  with 
their  cutlasses.  Each  weie  apparently  determined  on 
victory  >r  death.  The  English,  at  one  moment,  unable 
to  withstand  the  impetuosity  of  the  savages,  would  give 
ground  ;  at  the  next,  the  letter,  hard  pushed  by  the 
cavalry,  would  fall  back.     Thus,  for  the  space  of  two 

12 


^, 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


1.1 


IAS  121    12.5 

1^  I&2    122 


Z   Ml    12.0 


HMi 


11.25  IIU     ||.6 

^ 

6"     

► 

Hiotographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


^^fi"" 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  145S0 

(716)872-4503 


.% 


:''•  -It 


90 


INDIAN    WARS. 


I 


'  j^: 


t 


r* 


r'  ^• 


hours,  did  victory  appear  balancing  between  the  two 
contending  parties.  The  field  of  action  was  covered  with 
the  slain,  while  the  adjacent  woods  resounded  with 
shrieks  and  groans  of  the  wounded.  At  this  critical  junc- 
ture, the  English,  when  on  the  very  point  of  surrender- 
ing, were  providentially  preserved  by  a  stratagem.  In 
the  heat  of  the  action  Maj.  Bradford  despatched  a  com- 
pany of  cavalry  by  a  circuitous  route,  to  attack  the  ene- 
my ;  suspecting  this  to  be  a  reinforcement  of  the  Eng- 
lish, they  fled  in  every  direction,  leaving  the  English 
masters  of  the  field.  Thus,  after  two  hours  hard  fight- 
ing, did  the  English  obtain  a  victory  at  the  expense  of 
the  lives  of  more  than  half  their  number.  Their  killed 
and  wounded  amounted  to  ninety-nine.  The  loss  of  the 
enemy  was  not  ascertained  ;  it  was  however  probably 
three  times  greater  than  that  of  the  English. 

The  day  succeeding  this  bloody  engagement,  a  lieu- 
tenant, with  twelve  meni,  was  sent  by  the  commander  to 
the  place  of  action  to  bury  the  dead.  When  within  a 
few  rods,  they  were  suddenly  attacked  by  about  cne  hun- 
dred of  the  enemy,  who  had  laid  in  ambush.  The  lieu- 
tenant ordered  his  men  to  reserve  their  fire  until  they 
could  discharge  with  the  best  effect  upon  the  enemy,  by 
whom  they  were  sooft  surrounded  and  furiously  attacked 
on  all  sides,  the  savages  yelling  horribly,  and  brandishing 
their  long  knives  in  the  air,  yet  crimsoned  with  the  blood 
of  their  countrymen.  The  brave  little  band,  however, 
remained  firm  and  undaunted,  and  as  the  savages  ap- 
proached them,  each  taking  proper  aim  discharged  with 
so  good  effect  upon  them,  that  the  Indians,  amazed  at 
the  instantaneous  destruction  of  so  many  of  their  com- 
rades, fled  in  every  direction.  The  English  sustained 
no  loss. 

On  the  5th  the  enemy  successfully  attacked  the  inhab- 
itants of  the  villages  of  Casco  ;  thirty  of  whom  they 
killed,  and  made  prisoners  the  family  of  a  Mr.  Bracket, 
who  on  the  7th  made  their  escape  in  the  following  man- 
ner :  The  Indians  on  returning  to  their  wigwams,  learn- 
ing that  a  detached  party  of  their  brethren  had  attacked 
with  success  and  plundered  the  village  of  Arowsick,  to 
«»joy  a  share  of  the  spoil  hastened  to  join  them,  leaving 


if 


INDIAN  WARS. 


91 


the  two 
red  with 
2d  with 
lal  junc- 
rrender- 
3m.  In 
1  a  com- 
the  ene- 
le  Eng- 
English 
rd  iight- 
pense  of 
r  killed 
s  of  the 
)robably 

:,  a  lieu- 
ander  to 
within  a 
3ne  hun- 
'he  lieu- 
itil  they 
emy,  by 
attacked 
idishing 
le  blood 
owever, 
ges  ap- 
(ed  with 
lazed  at 
ir  com- 
ustained 

inhab- 
)m  they 
Jracket, 
ig  man- 
learn- 
attacked 
sick,  to 
leaving 


the  prisoners  in  the  care  of  two  old  men  and  three 
squaws.  Mr.  Bracket,  whose  family  consisted  o£  him- 
self, wife,  three  small  children  and  a  negro  lad,  viewed 
this  a  favorable  opportunity  to  escape  ;  to  effect  which 
he  requested  the  lad  to  attempt  an  escape  by  flight,  who 
being  uncommonly  active  he  easily  effected.  The  plan 
of  Mr.  Bracket  had  now  its  desired  effect;  as  the. old 
men  pursuing  the  negro,  left  him  and  his  family  guarded 
only  by  the  three  squaws,  whom  (being  intoxicated)  he 
soon  despatched,  and  returned  the  day  following  with 
his  family  to  Casco,  where  the  negro  lad  had  arrived 
some  hours  before. 

On  the  15th,  the  Indians  attacked  the  dwelling  houses 
of  a  Capt.  Bonithon  and  Maj.  Philips,  situated  on  the 
east  side  of  Casco  river.  Having  seasonable  notice  of 
the  hostile  views  of  the  enemy,  the  family  of  the  former, 
as  a  place  of  greater  safety,  had  resorted  to  the  house  of 
the  latter  a  few  moments  previous  to  the  attack.  The 
savages  first  communicated  fire  to  the  house  of  Capt. 
Bonithon,  next  proceeded  furiously  to  attack  the  dwelling 
of  Maj.  Philips,  in  which  there  were  about  twenty  per- 
sons, by  whom  it  was  most  gallantly  defended.  The  . 
enemy  had  their  leader  and  a  number  of  their  party 
killed  by  the  fire  of  the  English.  Despairing  of  taking 
the  house  by  assault,  they  adopted  a  new  plan  of  com- 
municating fire  thereto.  They  procured'  a  carriage,  on 
which  they  erected  a  stage,  in  front  of  which  was  a  bar- 
ricade rendered  bullet  proof,  to  which  long  poles  were 
attached  nearly  twenty  feet  in  length,  and  to  the  ends 
were  affixed  every  kind  of  combustible,  such  as  birch 
rinds,  straw,  pitch  pine,  &c.  The  Indians  were  shel- 
tered by  the  barricade  from  the  fire  of  the  English,  while 
they  approached  the  walls  of  the  house  with  their  car- 
riage. The  English  were  now  on  the  eve  of  despairing, 
when  fortunately  one  of  the  wheels  being  brought  in  con- 
tact with  a  rock,  the  carriage  was  turned  completely 
round,  which  exposed  the  whole  body  of  Indians  to  their 
fire.  This  unexpected  opportunity  was  improved  with 
the  greatest  advantage  by  the  English,  who  with  a  few 
rounds  soon  dispersed  the  enemy  with  no  considerable 
loss. 


•f-^- 

.^■0^" 


M 


*»^-. 


«t 


INDIAN    WAi;S. 


•  i- 


^i 


The  day  following  the  Indians  set  fire  to  the  house  of 
a  Mr.  Wnkely,  whom  with  his  whole  family  they  mur- 
dered. A  company  of  the  English,  apprized  of  their 
dangerous  situation,  marched  to  their  relief,  but  arrived 
too  late  to  afford  assistance.  They  found  the  house  re- 
duced to  ashes,  and  the  mangled  bodies  of  the  unfortu- 
nate family  half  consumed  by  fire. 

The  savages,  emboldened  by  their  late  success,  on 
the  20th  attacked  a  small  settlement  on  the  Piscataqua 
river,  and  succeeded  in  murdering  a  part,  and  carrying 
away  the  remainder  of  the  inhabitants  into  captivity.  Aa  t 
an  instance  of  their  wonted  barbarity,  it  should  be  here 
mentioned,  that  after  tomahawking  and  scalping  one  ol 
the  unfortunate  women  of  the  above  place,  they  bound 
to  her  dead  body  her  little  infant ;  in  which  situation  it 
was  the  succeeding  day  discovered  by  the  English,  at- 
tempting to  draw  nourishment  from  its  mother^s  breast. 

The  governor  and  council  of  the  united  colonies,  con- 
ceiving it  their  duty  if  possible  to  put  a  final  stop  to  the 
ravages  of  the  enemy  in  the  east,  and  to  prevent  the  fur- 
ther effusion  of  innocent  blood,  despatched  Maj.  Wallis 
and  Maj.  Bradford,  with  six  companies  under  their  com- 
mand, to  destroy,  root  and  branch,  the  common  enemy. 
On  the  1st  December  they  arrived  in  the  neighbor  I  of 
Kennebecky  near  where  they  were  informed  tho  iiain 
body  of  the  enemy  were  encamped.  On  the  morning  of 
the  3d,  about  the  break  of  day,  they  fell  in  with  and  at- 
tacked them.  The  enemy,  who  were  about  eight  hun- 
dred strong,  appeared  disposed  to  maintain  their  ground  ; 
they  fought  with  all  the  fury  of  savages,  and  even  assailed 
the  English  from  the  tops  of  lofty  trees  which  they  as- 
cended for  the  purpose.  They  were  in  possession  of  but 
few  fire  arms,  but  hurled  their  tomahawks  with  incon- 
ceivable exactness,  and  checked  the  progress  of  the 
cavalry  with  long  spears.  Victory  for  a  long  time  re- 
mained doubtful.  The  ground  being  covered  with  snow 
greatly  retarded  the  progresss  of  the  troops,  who  proba- 
bly would  have  met  with  a  defeat  had  not  a  fresh  com- 
pany of  infantry  arrived  in  time  to  change  the  fortune  of 
the  day.  These,  having  remained  inactive,  as  a  body 
of  reserve,  the  commander  found  himself  under  the  ne- 


*f\ 


.f 


-*r 


V 


INDIAN    WARf. 


93 


ccssity  of  calling  it  to  his  aid.  Tho  onemy,  disheartened 
at  the  unt'xpec'eii  arrival  of  the  Englisii,  tied  with  pre- 
cipitancy to  the  woods  ;  but  very  few  of  them,  however, 
escaped  ;  more  than  two  hundred  of  whom  remained  dead 
on  the  field  of  action,  and  double  that,  number  were  mor- 
tally wounded.  The  loss  of  the  English  was  fifty-fivo 
killed  and  ninety-five  wounded.  This  engagement, 
which  proved  a  decisive  one,  was  of  the  greatest  impor- 
tance to  the  English.  The  great  and  arduous  work  was 
now  completed.  The  few  remaining  Indians  that  in- 
habited the  eastern  country,  now  expressed  a  -desire  to 
bury  the  bloody  hatchet,  and  make  peace  with  the  Eng- 
lish. Their  request  was  cheerfully  complied  with,  and 
they  continued  ever  after  the  faithful  friends  of  the 
English. 


eir  com- 


CHAP.   II. 


INVASION  OF  NEW-YORK  AND  NEW-ENGLAND,  AND  THE  DESTRUC- 
TION OF  SCHENECTADY  BY  THE  FRENCH  AND  INDIANS. 


In  the  year  1690  the  Mohawks  having  made  several 
successful  expeditions  against  the  Canadians,  the  Count 
Frontenac,  to  raise  the  depressed  spirits  of  the  latter, 
despatched  several  parties  of  French  and  Indians  to  at- 
tack the  frontier  settlements  of  New- York  and  New-Eng- 
land. A  detachment  of  nearly  five  hundred  French  and 
Indians,  under  the  command  of  Monsieurs  P.  Aillebout, 
De  Waulet  and  Le  Wayne,  were  despatched  from  Mon- 
treal for  this  purpose.  They  were  furnished  with  every 
thing  necessary  for  a  winter  campaign.  After  a  march 
of  twenty-two  days,  they  on  the  8th  February  reached 
Schenectady.  They  had  on  their  march  been  so  redu- 
ced as  to  harbor  thoughts  of  surrendering  themselves  pri- 
soners of  war  to  the  English  ;  but  their  spies  having 


■'^.  - 


£». 


9i 


INDIAN    WARS. 


|f 


i!" 


;  I 


f 


been  several  days  in  the  village,  entirely  unsuspected, 
representing  in  such  strong  terms  the  defenceless  state  of 
the  inhabitants,  as  determined  them  to  make  an  immedi- 
ate atlack.  They  found  the  gates  open  and  unguarded, 
which  they  entered  about  eleven  o'clock  at  night ;  and 
the  better  to  effect  their  hellish  purpose,  divided  their 
main  body  into  several  parties  of  six  or  seven  men  each. 
The  inhabitants  were  in  a  profound. sleep,  and  unalarm- 
ed  until  the  enemy  had  broken  open  their  doors  and  with 
uplifted  tomahawks  were  surrounding  their  beds.  Before 
they  had  time  to  rise,  the  savages  began  the- perpetration 
of  the  most  inhuman  barbarities.  No  language  can  ex- 
.press  the  cruelties  which  were  committed.  In  less  than 
one  hour  two  hundred  of  the  unfortunate  inhabitants  were 
slain  and  the  whole  village  wrapt  in  flames.  A  detail  of 
the  cruelties  committed  by  the  barbarians  cannot  be  read 
without  horror.  They  ravished,  rifled,  murdered  and 
mutilated  the  inhabitants 'without  distinction  of  age  or 
sex;  without  any  other  provocation  or  excitement  than 
brutal  lust  and  wantonness  of  barbarity.  Pregnant  wo- 
men were  ripped  open  and  their  infants  cast  into  the  fire, 
or  dashed  against  the  posts  of  the  doors.  Such  monsters 
of  barbarity  ought  certainly  to  be  -excluded  from  all  the 
privileges  of  human  nature,  and  hunted  down  as  wild 
beasts,  without  pity  or  cessation.  A  very  few  of  the  in- 
habitants escaped,  who  in  their  shirts  fled  to  Albany  in  a 
severe  and  stormy  night.  Twenty-five  of  the  fugitives 
in  their  flight  perished  with  the  cold.  A-^ter  destroying 
the  inhabitants  the  enemy  killed  all  the  horses  and  cattle 
they  could  find,  with  the  exception  of  about  thirty  of  the 
former,  which  they  loaded  with  their  plunder  and  drove 
off. 

When  the  news  of  this  horrid  massacre  reached  Alba- 
ny, an  universal  fear  and  consternation  seized  the  inhab- 
itants. The  country  became  panic  struck  ;  and  many 
entertained  thoughts  of  destroying  the  town  and  abandon- 
ing that  part  of  the  country  to  the  enemy, 

A  second  party  of  the  enemy  which  Count  Frontenac 
had  detached  from  the  main  body  at  the  three  rivers,  un- 
der the  command  of  Sieur  Uartel,  an  oflicer  of  distin- 
guished character  in  Canada,  on  the  18th  February  fell 


INDIAN    WARS. 


95 


upon  Salmon  Ftills,  a  plantation  on  the  river  which  di- 
vides New-Hampshire  from  the  province  of  Main.  This 
party  consisted  of  ahout  seventy  men,  more  than  half  of 
whom  were  Indians.  They  commenced  the  attack  at 
break  of  day  in  three  different  phices  ;  and  ahhough  the 
inhabitants  were  surprised,  yet  they  flew  to  arms  and  de- 
fended themselves  with  a  bravery  that  even  their  enemies 
applauded  ;  but  they  were  finally  overpowered  by  num- 
bers, when  forty-three  of  them,  consisting  of  men,  wo- 
men and  children,  fell  victims  to  savage  barbarity. 

The  depredations  of  the  French  and  Indians  filled  the 
people  of  the  western  country  with  fear  and  alarm.  The 
assembly  of  New- York  conceived  it  necessary  to  make 
every  exertion  to  prevent  the  settlement  of  me  French 
at  Albany.  It  was  resolved  that  two  companies  of  one 
hundred  men  each  should  be  raised  and  sent  forward  for 
that  purpose.  For  the  defence  of  the  frontier  towns  in 
New-England,  it  was  ordered  that  a  constant  watch 
should  be  kept  in  several  towns,  that  all  males  above  the 
age  of  eighteen  and  under  sixty  years,  should  be  kept  in 
readiness  to  march  at  the  shortest  notice.  On  the  20th 
March,  at  a  meeting  of  commissioners  from  New-York 
and  New- England,  a  plan  was  proposed  and  adopted  for 
invading  Canada.  Fight  hundred  men  were  ordered  to 
be  raised  for  the  purpose  ;  and  the  quotas  of  several  col- 
onies were  fixed,  and  general  rules  adopted  for  the  man- 
agement of  the  army. 

A  small  vessel  was  sent  express  to  England  the  b^ 
ginning  of  April,  carrying  a  representation  of  the  expo- 
sed state  of  the  colonies  and  the  necessity  of  the  reduc- 
tion of  Canada.  A  petition  was  also  forwarded  to  the 
king  for  a  supply  of  arms  and  ammunition,  and  a  number 
^  of  frigates  to  attack  the  enemy  by  water,  while  the  colo- 
nial troops  made  an  invasion  by  land.  John  Winthrop, 
Esq.  was  appointed  Major  General  and  Commander  in 
Chief  of  the  land  army  ;  and  arrived  with  the  troops  un- 
der his  command  near  the  falls  at  the  head  of  Wood- 
Creek,  early  in  August. 

When  the  army  arrived  at  the  place  appointed  for  the 
rendezvous  of  the  Indians  from  the  Five  Nations,  who 
had  engaged  to  assist  the  English  ;  instead  of  meeting 


<J>Ai 


'# 


^•"W 


I 


96 


INDIAIf    WARS. 


with  fhnt  powerful  body  whwh  ihoj'  oxporlod,  and  which 
th<^  Indians  had  promisj^rl.  tlicrc  were  no  inoio  thiin  seven- 
ty warriors  from  the  Mohawks  and  Onedias.  When  the 
gtsneral  had  advanced  about  one  hundred  miles,  he  found 
%pP  that  there  were  not  canoes  sufticienl.  to  transport  one  half 
of  the  Knghsh  across  the  lake.  Upon  representing  to 
the  Indians  that  it  was  impossible  for  the  army  to  cross 
into  Canada  without  a  greater  number,  thfy  replied  that 
it  was  then  too  late  in  the  season  to  make  canoes  ;  as 
the  bark  would  not  peal.  In  short  they  artfully  evaded 
every  proposal,  and  finally  told  the  geueral  and  his  offi- 
cers that  they  looked  too  high,  advising  them  only  to  at- 
tack Chambly,  and  the  out  settlements  on  this  side  of  the 
St.  Lawrence.  Thus  did  these  Indians,  who  a  few  years 
before  had  so  harrassed  all  the  French  and  Indians  in 
Canada,  exhibit  the  greatest  proof  of  cowardice.  The 
English  finding  it  impossible  to  cross  the  lake -with  ad- 
Tantage,  returned  to  Albany.  Thus  the  expedition  un- 
fortunately failed. 

In  the  year  1693,  Count  Frontenac  finding  that  he 
could  not  accomplish  a  peace  with  the  Mohawks,  who  of 
all  the  Indians  had  been  by  far  tho  most  destructive  to 
the  settlements  in  Canada,  determined  on  their  destruc- 
tion. He  collected  un  army  of  about  seven  hundred 
French  and  Indians,  and  having  supplied  them  with  ev- 
ery thing  necessary  for  a  winter  campaign,  sent  them 
against  the  3Iohawk  castles.  They  commenced  their 
march  from  Montreal  on  the  15th  January,  W)93.  After 
enduring  incredible  hardships  they  fell  in  with  the  first 
castle  about  the  10th  February.  The  Mohawks,  un 
prepared  for  an  attack,  had  not  any  idea  of  the  approach 
of  the  Canadians. 

The  enemy  killed  and  captured  about  fifty  of  the  Mo- 
hawks at  this  castle  and  then  proceeded  for  the  second, 
at  which  they  were  equally  successful.  A  great  part  of 
the  Mohawks  were  at  Scenectady,  and  the  remainder 
thought  themselves  perfectly  secure.  When  the  enemy 
arrived  at  the  third  castle  they  found  about  eighty  war- 
riors collected  at  a  war-dance,  as  they  designed  the  next 
day  to  go  upon  an  expedition  against  their  enemies.  A 
toiiflict  ensued,  in  which  the  Canadians,  after  losing  a- 


IKDIAIf    WAR!. 


ot 


bout  thirty  men  vvern  victorious,  and  the  third  castle  wnf 
taken.  The  Canudians  in  their  decent  took  near  three 
hundred  prisoners,  prirrcipully  women  and  children.  The 
brave  Col.  Schuyler  of  Albany,  receiving  information  of 
the  approach  of  the  enemy,  at  the  head  of  a  party  of  the 
volunteers  of  about  four  hundred  English  and  Dutch, 
pursued  them.  On  the  25th  February  he  was  joined  by 
about  three  hundred  Indians,  whom  he  found  Ldged  in 
a  fortified  camp.  The  Canadians  made  three  successive 
sallies  upon  the  colonel,  and  were  as  often  repulsed  ;  he 
kept  his  ground,  waiting  for  provisions  and  a  reinforce- 
ment from  Albany.  The  enemy  at  length  taking  advan- 
tage of  tk  violent  snow-storm,  escaped  and  marched  to 
Canada.  The  day  following  Capt.  Sims,  with  a  rein- 
forcement and  a  supply  of  provisions,  arrived  from  Alba** 
ny,  and  the  day  succeeding  the  colonel  reassutned  the 
pursuit ;  but  the  Canadians  luckily  finding  a  cake  of  ice 
across  the  north  branch  of  Hudson  river,  made  their  es- 
cape ;  they  were  however  so  closely  pursued  by  the  Eng- 
lish and  Dutch,  that  they  could  not  prevent  the  escape 
of  most  of  their  prisoners,  sill  of  whom,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  nne  or  ten,  returned  in  safety  to  tiieir  country. 
Col.  Schuyler  lost  twelve  of  his  party,  and  had  nine- 
teen woundi'-d.  According  to  the  report  of  the  captives, 
the  enemy  lost  fifty  men,  five  of  whoiu  were  French  of- 
ficers, and  two  Indian  guides,  and  about  seventy  wounJ  • 
ed.  On  their  return  the  Mohawks  found  more  than 
forty  dead  bodies  of  the  enemy  ;  which  after  they  had 
scalped,  so  great  was  their  hunger  that  they  devour- 
ed them. 


13 


i* 


rr 


-M»- 


■^  '  ^' 


98 


INDIAN    WARS. 


( 


' 


.    "• 


CHAP.  in. 

MASSACRE  or  THE  INHABITANTS  OF  DEERHELD,  AND  CAPTIVITY 
OF  THE  REV.  JOHN  WILLIAMS  AND  FAMILY.  BY  THE  SAVAGES. 

On  the  19th  February  1703,  n  larpe  bo^y  of  Indians 
from  the  frontiers  made  an  attack  on  Decrfield.  They 
entered  the  town  about  midnight,  and  commenced  an  in- 
discriminate butchery  of  the  defenceless  inhabitants. 
Among  others,  they  attackid  the  house  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Wiili;ims,  pastor  of  the  parish.  The  following  arc  the 
particulars  of  this  melancholy  transaction,  as  related  by 
Mr.  Williams. 

**  They  came  to  my  house  in  the  beginning  of  the  on- 
set, and  by  their  violent  endeavors  to  break  open  doors 
and  windows  with  axes  and  hatchets,  awaked  me  out  of 
sleep ;  on  which  I  leaped  out  of  bed,  and  running  to- 
wards the  door,  perceived  the  enemy  making  their  en- 
trance into  the  house.  I  called  to  awaken  two  soldiers 
in  the  chamber  ;  and  returned  towards  my.  bed-side,  for 
my  arms.  The  enemy  immcdialcly  broke  into  the  room, 
I  judge  to  the  number  of  twenty,  with  painted  faces  and 
hidious  acclamations.  I  reachod  up  my  hands  to  the 
bed-tester  for  my  pistol,  uttering  a  short  petition  to  God 
for  everlasting  merry  for  me  and  min(>  on  account  of  the 
merits  of  our  blessed  Redeemer.  Taking  down  my  pis- 
tol, I  cocked  it,  and  put  it  to  the  breast  of  the  first  In- 
dian who  came  up  ;  but  my  p' stol  missing  fire,  I  was  sei- 
zed by  three  Indians,  who  disarmed  me,  and  bound  me 
naked,  as  I  was  in  my  shirt,  and  so  1  stood  for  the  spttce 
of  an  hour.  Binding  me,  thry  told  me  that  I  was  to  be 
carried  to  Quebec.  My  pistol  missing  fire  was  the  occa- 
sion of  ni}  life's  being  preserved,  since  which  1  have  al- 
so found  it  profitable  to  be  crossed  in  my  own  will.  The 
judgment  of  God  did  not  long  slumber  against  one  of  the 
three  which  took  me  who  was  a  captain,  for  by  sun-rise 
he  received  a  mortal  shot  from  my  next  neighbor's  house  ; 
who  opposed  so  great  a  number  of  French  and  Indians 


INDIAN    WAR!. 


90 


APTIVITY 
IVAGEB.  * 


r  are  the 
slated  by 

jf  the  on- 
icn  doors 
ne  out  of 
ining  to- 
thcir  cn- 
o  soldiers 
Iside,  for 
the  room, 
faces  and 
s  to    the 
)n  to  God 
unt  of  the 
m  my  pis- 
first  In- 
I  was  sci- 
)ound   me 
•  the  space 
was  to  be 
the  occa- 
1  have  al- 
will.   The 
one  of  the 
)y  sun-rise 
r's  house  ; 
kd  Indians 


(  ri 


1  ^^ 


BS  three  hundred,  and  yet  were  no  more  thun  seven  men 
in  an  ungarrisoncd  house. 

*'  I  caniint  relate  tlic  distressing  care  I  had  for  my 
dear  wife,  who  had  lain  in  hut  a  few  weeks  before,  and 
for  my  poor  children,  family  and  christian  neighbors. 
The  enemy  (ell  to  rilling  the  house,  and  entered  in  groat 
numbers  into  every  room  of  the  house.  I  bogged  of  God 
to  remember  mercy  in  the  midst  of  judgment ;  that  ho 
would  so  far  restrain  their  wrath  as  to  prevent  their  mur- 
dering us;  that  we  might  have  gruco  to  glorify  his  name, 
whether  in  life  or  death  ;  and,  ns  I  was  able,  committed 
our  state  to  God.  The  enemies  who  entered  the  house 
were  all  of  them  Indians  and  Maequas,  exulting  over  mo 
a  while  ;  holding  up  hatchets  over  my  head,  threatning 
to  burn  all  1  had  ;  hut  yet  God,  beyond  all  expectation, 
made  us  in  great  measure  to  be  pitied  ;  for  though  some 
were  so  cruel  and  harberous  as  to  take  and  carry  to  the 
door  two  of  my  children,  and  murder  them,  as  also  a  ne- 
gro woman,  yet  they  let  me  put  on  my  clothes,  keeping 
mo  bound  with  a  cord  on  one  arm,  till  I  put  on  my  clothes 
to  the  other ;  and  thon  changing  my  cord  they  let  me 
dress  myself,  and  then  pinioned  me  again :  gave  liberty 
to  my  dear  wife  to  dress  herself,  and  our  children.  A- 
bout  an  hour  after  sun nsc,  we  were  all  carried  out  of  the 
house,  for  a  maich,  and  saw  many  of  my  neighbors'  hou- 
ses in  t1ame#,  perceiving  the  whole  fort,  one  house  ex- 
cepted, to  be  taken.  Who  can  tell  what  sorrow  pierced 
our  souls  when  we  saw  ourselves  carried  from  God's 
sanctuary,  to  go  into  a  strange  land,  exposed  to  so  many 
trials  ?  The  journey  being  at  least  three  hundred  miles 
we  were  to  travel ;  the  snow  up  to  the  knees,  and  we 
never  enured  to  such  hardships  and  fatigues  ;  the  place 
we  were  to  be  carried  to,  a  popish  country  Upon  ray 
parting  from  the  town  they  fired  my  house  and  barn.  We 
were  carried  over  the  river  to  the  foot  of  the  mountain, 
about  a  mile  from  my  house,  where  we  found  a  great 
number  of  our  christian  neighbors,  men,  women  and  chil- 
dren, to  the  number  of  an  hundred,  nineteen  of  whom 
were  afterwards  murdered  by  the  way,  and  to  starve  to 
death,  near  Coos,  in  a  time  of  great  scarcity,  or  famine 
which  the  savages  underw.ent  there.    When  we  came  to 


* 


100 


INDIAN    WAR!. 


the  foot  of  tho  mountain,  (hry  took  nwny  our  flhocs,  nnd 
guve  us  in  the  room  of  them,  Indian  Nhors,  to  prcpore  us 
for  our  trnvel.  Whilst  wo  were  thc-ro  the  ICn^lish  heat 
out  n  company,  that  remained  in  the  town,  and  pursued^ 
them  to  (he  river,  killing  ond  wounding  maty  of  thorn  ; 
but  tho  body  of  tho  nrmy  beiuf;;  uhirn«ed,  they  repulsed 
those  few  Lnglish  that  pursued  them.  After  this,  we 
went  up  to  tho  mountain  and  saw  the  smoke  of  the  fires 
in  the  town,  und  beheld  the  awful  desolation  of  Dcurfield  ; 
nnd  before  wc  marched  any  farther,  they  killed  a  suck- 
ing child  of  the  li^nglish.  There  were  slain  by  tho  ene- 
my, of  tho  inhabitants  of  the  town,  to  the  number  of  thir- 
ty-eight, besides  nine  of  the  neighboring  towns. 

*'  When  we  cnnie  to  our  lodging  place  the  first  night, 
they  dug  away  the  snow  nnd  made  somo  wigwams,  cut 
down  some  of  tho  small  branches  of  spruco  trees  to  Ho 
down  on,  and  gave  the  prisoners  somewhat  to  eat ;  but 
wc  had  but  little  appetite.  1  was  pinioned  and  bound 
down  that  night,  ami  so  1  was  every  night  whilst  1  was 
with  tho  army.  Some  of  the  enemy  who  brought  drink 
from  the  town,  fell  to  drinking,  nnd  in  their  drunken  fit 
they  killed  my  negro  man,  the  only  dead  person  1  either 
saw  at  the  town,  or  in  the  way.  In  the  night  an  Eng- 
lishman made  his  escape.  In  the  morning  I  was  called 
for,  and  ordered  by  the  general  to  tell  the  English,  that 
if  any  more  made  their  escape,  they  would  burn  the  rest 
of  the  prisoners.  Ho  that  took  me,  was  unwilling  to  let* 
me  speak  with  any  of  the  prisoners  as  wc  marched  ;  but 
early  on  the  second  day,  be  being  appointed  to  the  rear 
guard,  I  was  put  into  the  hands  of  my  other  master,  who 
permitted  me  to  speak  to  ray  wife,  when  I  overtook  her, 
and  to  walk  with  her,  to  help  her  on  her  journey." 

After  a  fatiguing  journey  of  ten  or  twelve  days,  the 
Indians  reached  their  village  with  their  prisoners,  by 
whom  they  were  held  in  captivity,  enduring  almost  in- 
cr^ible  hardships,  until  the  25th  of  October  following  ; 
when  an  ambassador  from  Boston,  Samuel  Appleton, 
Esc.  arrived,  who  had  been  despatched  to  redeem  such 
as  had  survived.  They  took  passage  at  Quebec,  and  to 
the  number  of  fifty-seven,  arrived  in  safety  at  Boston  on 
the  2i8t  of  November. 


INDIAN    WAR!. 


101 


Tha  Tndinns  r«)nrinn(Ml  ihtir  clrptT(liiru)n«  upon  thrdfl. 
fcnncloss  iiiiiabittiiits  on  the  tVoiiticrs,  iiniii  tlx' ycMir  I7i5, 
whrn  u  troiity  ofpiia  n  wii»  si};in<l  lulwrni  cointi.iMion 
crs  nppointcd  l)y  (ho  f^rticnil  court  til  HoHton,  nn<l  tho 
chiefH  of  thJhoMtilo  Indian  Irilx'.s.  A  lon^;  peace  fol- 
lowed ;  and  the  IndianH  grnrrally  manifcstrd  a  disposi- 
tion to  remain  on  frirndly  tornis  with  the  Kn^lisli,  and  it 
was  KUfipoHcTl  that  they  never  would  a^ain  he  disposed  to 
hostilities,  had  they  not  hoen  under  the  inmtediatn  intlu- 
ence  of  Frcnclr  interest. 

War  was  declared  helwen  France  and  Enghind  in 
Morel),  1 7  Vi.  The  first  year  of  the  war  no  Indians  made 
their  ap|)i'urance  in  this  part  of  the  country.  'I  hey  hud 
found  by  experience,  11  at  to  maintain  an  o[ien  trade  with 
the  Kn^lish  was  (greatly  to  their  interest,  and  consequent- 
ly nt  first  enteied  into  the  war  with  reluctance. 

The  first  mischief  done  by  them  in  this  part  of  the 
country,  in  the  course  of  the  wnr,  was  in  July  1745: 
when  a  few  Indians  came  to  u  place  culled  the  Great 
Meadow,  about  sixteen  miles  above  Fort  Dummer,  on 
Connecticut  river  ;  two  of  them  captured  William  Phipps 
as  he  was  boing  his  corn. 

October  11th.  The  fort  ut  the  Great  Meadow  was 
attacked  by  a  Inrgc  party  of  French  nnd  Indians.  The 
attack  was  bold  and  furious,  but  without  success.  No 
lives  were  lost,  Nelipmiah  Howe  was  taken  captive  and 
carried  to  Quebec,  where  he  soon  died.  'I  he  enemy,  on 
their  return,  met  one  David  liu<:!;g,  with  another  person, 
passing  down  Connecticut  river  in  a  canoe.  Rugg  was 
killed  and  scalped,  but  the  other  with  some  difficulty 
made  his  escape. 

On  the  22d  of  the  same  month,  a  large  party  of  the 
enemy  came  to  the  upper  Ashvvolot,  with  a  design  to  have 
taken  the  fort  by  surprise,  but  being  discovered  by  a  per- 
son who  was  providentially  at  that  time  at  a  little  distance 
from  the  garrison,  they  wore  disconcerted.  An  action 
however  ensued,  which  continued  for  some  time.  The 
en^my  finally  withdrew.  In  this  action  John  BuJIard  was 
killed,  Nathan  Blake  captured,  and  the  wife  of  Daniel 
M'Kinne,  being  omi  of  the  fort,  was  overtaken  and  stabbed. 
Before  the  enemy  retired  they  burnt  several  buildings, 


I 


1 


:  s' 


102 


INDIAN    WARS. 


which  was  supposed  to  have  been  done  not  so  much  for 
thfi  sake  of  mischief  as  to  conceal  their  dead,  there  being 
many  human  bones  afterwards  found  among  the  ashes. 

August  3.  A  body  of  the  enemy  appeared  at  No.  4. 
Suspicions  of  their  approach  were  excited  b^  the  howling 
of  dogs.  A  scout  being  sent  out  from  the  fort,  had  pro- 
ceeded but  a  few  rods  before  they  were  fired  upon.  Eben- 
ezer  Phillips  was  killed,  and  the  remainder  made  their 
escape  to  the  fort.  The  enemy  surrounded  the  garrison, 
and  endeavored  for  three  days  to  take  it,  but  findmg  their 
efforts  ineffectual,  withdrew,  after  having  burnt  several 
buildings,  and  killed  all  the  cattle,  horses^  &:c.  they  could 
find. 

August  11.  Benjamin  Wright,  of  Northfield,  riding  in 
the  woods,  was  fired  on,  mortally  wounded,  and  died  in  a 
few  hours  after.  -' 

August  20.  An  army  of  about  9000  French  and  In- 
dians, under  command  of  Gen.  De  Vandreuil,  made  an  at- 
tack on  fort  Massachusetts.  It  was  commanded  by  Col. 
Hawks,  vvho,  unfortunately,  was  not  in  a  situation  to  de- 
fend it  against  such  a  force,  having  but  thirty- seven  per- 
sons, men,  women  and  children,  in  the  fort  j  and  being 
miserably  provided  with  ammunition.  With  great  forti- 
tude he  defended  it  .for  twenty-eight  hours,  and  had  not 
the  ammunition  failed,  it  is  probable  he  never  would  have 
given  up  the  fort.  He  was  finally  necessitated  to  capitu- 
late ;  and  he  offered  such  articles  as  were  accepted  by 
De  Vandreuil.  One  special  article  in  this  capitulation 
was,  that  none  of  the  prisoners  should  be  delivered  into 
the  hands  of  the  Indians.  The  next  day,  however,  Van- 
dreuil divided  the  prisoners,  and  delivered  them  one  half, 
in  open  violation  and  contempt  of  the  article.  The  In- 
dians immediately  killed  one,  who,  by  reason  of  sickness, 
was  unable  to  travel.  The  prisoners  were,  in  general, 
treated  with  civility  ;  most  of  whom  were  afterwards  re- 
deemed. Col.  Hawks  lost  but  one  man  in  the  siege. 
Gen.  De  Vandreuil,  according  to  the  best  accounts  the 
prisoners  could  obtain,  lost  forty-five,  who  were  either 
killed  outright,  or  died  of  their  wounds. 

Immediately  after  the  capture  of  the  fort,  a  party  of 
about  fifty  Indians  went  for  the  purpose  of  committing 


f 


IITDIAN    WARS. 


103 


much  for 
leie  being 
;  ashes, 
at  No.  4. 
e  howling 
,  had  pro- 
>n.   Eben- 
lade  their 
3  garrison, 
id'ng  their 
nt  several 
they  could 

1,  riding  in 
d  died  in  a 

ih  and  In- 
nade  an  at- 
led  by  Col. 
uion  to  de- 
-  seven  per- 
and  being 
^-reat  forti- 
md  had  not 
would  have 
i  to  capitu- 
iccepted  by 
capitulation 
livered  into 
^rever,  Van- 
m  one  half, 
,.     Theln- 
of  sickness, 
in  general, 
erwards  re- 
\  the  siege, 
jcounts  the 
ivere  either 

t,  a  party  of 
I  committiDg 


depredations  upon  Deerfield.  They  came  first  upon  a 
hill,  at  the  south-west  corner  of  the  south  meadow,  where 
they  discovered  ten  or  twelve  men  and  children  at  work, 
in  a  situation  in  which  they  might  all  with  ease  be  made 
prisoners.  Had  they  succeeded  in  their  design,  which 
was  to  obtain  prisoners  rather  than  scalps,  it  is  probable 
that  events  would  not  have  been  so  disastrous  as  they 
proved.  They  were  disconcerted  by  the  following  cir 
cumstance  :  Mr.  Eleazer  Hawks  was  out  that  morning  a 
fowling,  and  was  providentially  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  when 
the  enemy  came  down  ;  who  seeing  him,  supposed  they 
were  discovered,  and  immediately  fired  upon  him,  killed 
and  scalped  him.  This  gave  an  alarm  to  the  people  in 
the  meadow,  some  of  whom  were  but  a  few  rods  distant. 
The  enemy  were  now  sensible  ti.^t  what  they  did  must 
be  done  with  despatch.  Accordingly  they  i-ushcd  into  the 
meadow,  fired  on  Simeon  Amsden,  a  lad,  beheaded  and 
scalped  him.  Messrs.  Samuel  Allen,  John  Sadler  and 
Adonijah  Gillet,  ran  a  few  rods  and  made  a  stand  under 
the  bank  of  the  river,  where  they  were  attacked  with  fury, 
and  fought  a  little  time  with  great  bravery ;  they  were, 
however,  soon  overpowered  with  numbers.  Allen  and 
Gillet  fell.  Sadler,  finding  himself  alone,  ran  across  the 
river  and  made  his  escape,  amidst  a  shower  of  balls.  While 
this  was  passing  Oliver  Amsden  was  pursued  a  few  rods, 
overtaken  and  stabbed,  after  having  his  hands  and  fingers 
cut  in  pieces  by  endeavoring  to  defend  himself  against  the 
knives  of  the  enemy.  At  the  same  time  three  children, 
by  the  name  of  Allen,  were  pursued.  Eunice,  one  of  the 
three,  was  struck  down  vviih  a  tomahawk,  which  was  sunk 
into  her  head  ;  but  by  reason  of  the  haste  in  which  the 
enemy  retreated,  she  was  left  unscalped,  and  afterwards 
recovered.  Caleb  Allen,  of  Deerfield,  made  his  escape  ; 
and  Samuel  was  taken  captive,  who  was  the  only  prisoner 
taken  at  this  time. 

This  lad,  after  a  year  and  nine  months,  was  redeemed. 
Col.  Hawks,  who  was  sent  to  Canada  for  the  purpose  of 
redeeming  captives,  inquiring  for  the  lad,  was  informed, 
thnt  he  was  unwilling  to  be  seen,  and  that  he  expressed 
great  dissatisfaction  on  hearing  of  his  arrival.  When  he 
was  brought  into  the  presence  of  Col.  Hawks  he  was  un- 


104 


INDIAN    VVAi:i. 


willinp;  to  know  liini,  mIiIioii^Ii  \\v  w;im  Ins  nncio,  and  lind 
always  broil  ;i('<|n;iini(Ml  uiili  liitii  in  I)(mmTm>I(I.  Noillicr 
would  hr  n\)v',\k  in  llu^  Knulisli  i(in;;n(< ;  not  lli:i1  lio  had 
ror;;ot(<M)  il,  lail  to  •vvprcs^  his  nnwillingncss  to  n;turn. 
l\o,  uiadr  UM>  of  viirioiis  arts  ihiit  ho  lni^ht  not  bo  ox- 
rhanj;;o<l ;  a^;d  linally  oould  not  bo  obtiiinod  but  by  throiit.s, 
and  was  brounht  olVbv  forco.  In  this  wo  Hi'.v  \\w.  surpris- 
ing powor  of  habit.  'Phis  youth  h;id  lost  his  aH'ootinn  ibr 
his  oountry  and  his  iVionds  in  tiu!  courso  of  ono  yoar  and 
nine  months;  and  had  booonu*  so  iittiU'luHl  to  tlu^  Indian!), 
and  thoir  iuimIo  oI"  livinji,  as  to  oonsidiM'  it  tho  happiest 
lifo.  This  appoius  tho  nioro  sini'iisino  whon  wo  consider 
that  ho  farod  oxtronioly  luu'd,  and  was  roduood  almost  to 
a  skoloton. 

Auf^ust  1?().  Capt.  Ilobbs,  pMssini* '  throujiih  tho  woods 
from  No.  i  to  i'ort  Shiily,  \\  iih  loiiy  nuMi,  iin<l  boing  about 
twclvo  niilos  nortli-wos|  of  fort  Dununor,  was  attacked  by 
a  larj;o  body  of  tho  onomy,  who  had  pursued  him.  It  bc- 
inp;  in  tho  mi'?dlo  of  tho  <lay,  ho  mado  a  stand,  that  his 
men  mi<:;ht  receive  some  r<'lVeshment.  While  th<;y  were 
dining,  the  scout  which  wore  sent  upon  tho  back  track, 
were  (irod  upon.  Upon  this  (^^pt.  Ilobbs  put  his  men  in 
as  much  roiidinoss  for  an  notion  as  two  or  throi;  minutes 
would  admit  of.  Tho  on(M)iy  c;nno  on  with  p;ro;it  fury, 
cxpoctinji;,  no  doubt,  an  inuuodiitto  surromlor ;  but  Capt. 
Ilobbs  {jave  thorn  a  warm  reception,  and  fou;!;ht  for  three 
hours  with  such  boldness  and  fortitude,  th;it  h:id  lu^  and 
]m  men  boon  Hc^nans.  iUvy  would  have  received  a  huuel, 
and  thoir  names   handod   (lown  with    honor   to  the  latest 

})osterity.  '\\w  onomy  fmally  11o<!  in  haste,  and  with  f^reat 
OSS.  Capt  Hobbs,  in  this  action,  lost  but  three  men,  and 
had  but  three  wounded.  Those*  killed  \\ere  Lbeneaier 
Mitchell,  Eli  Scott  and  Samuel  Cuun. 

August  f  9.  About  two  hundred  of  the  enemy  made  their 
appearance  at  fort  INIassachusetts,  whioh  was  then  under 
the  command  of  Capt.  Kphraim  Williams.  A  scout  was 
first  fired  upon,  which  drew  out  Caj)t.  Williams,  with 
about  thirty  men.  An  attack  becfun  which  continued  for 
some  time ;  but  fmding  the  enemy  numerous,  Capt  Wil- 
liams fought  upon  the  retreat  till  he  had  again  recovered 
fhi  fort.     The  enemy  soon  withdrew,  and  with  whit  loss, 


I 


DIAN    WAni. 


105 


and  had 

Noitlicr 

1  \m)  l>ud 

»  H5turn. 

y  tlu'0i>ts, 

•  siirpm- 
u'tioii  lor 

yoar  and 

^Indians, 

liappjest 

•  t'onsidor 
utmost  to 

tlio  woods 
^«ing  about 
tacked  by  • 
11.     It  bo- 
d,  that  bis 
\\u)y  were 
nek  track, 
liis  vncri  in 
minutos 
irrrat  fury, 
but  Capt. 
t  for  three 
m\  he  and 
d  a  laurel, 
the  latest 
with  Rreat 
nuMi,  and 
Mbenczer 

made  their 
I hen  under 
scout  was 
iams,  with 
ntinued  for 
Capt  Wil- 
recovercd 
what  loss, 


If'' 


was  unknown.  In  this  action  one  Abbot  was  killed,  and 
liieut  llowley  and  EzekicI  Wells  were  wounded,  but  ro- 
covcred. 

This  is  the  last  instance  of  mischief  done  by  the  enemy 
in  the  western  frontiers,  in  what  is  called  the  first  French 
war.  Peace,  however,  was  not  finally  settled  with  the 
Indians  until  October,  1749,  when  a  treaty  was  held  at 
Falmouth,  by  commissioners  from  the  General  Court  and 
the  chiefs  of  the  Indian  trdies,  by  whom  a  former  treaty, 
with  some  additions,  were  renewed. 

From  this  important  period,  which  being  the  15th  day 
of  October,  1749,  ought  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  the 
now  flourishing  States  of  New-England  to  receirc  their 
date.  It  was  at  this  period  that  her  hardy  sons  quit  the 
sanguinary  field,  and  exchanged  their  implements  of  death 
for  such  as  were  better  calculated  for  the  cultivation  and 
tillage  of  their  farms.  The  forests,  with  which  they  are 
encompassed,  no  longer  abounded  with  fierce  and  untu- 
tored savages ;  the  Indian  death-song  and  war-whoop  was 
no  longer  heard  ;  the  greater  part  of  the  Indians  that  sur- 
vived the  many  bloody  engagements  had  sought  peace  and 
retirement  far  westward ;  the  prisoners  whicn  the  English 
had  captured  were  liberated,  on  condition  of  resorting  to, 
and  remaining  with  them.  They  |)roved  faithful  to  their 
promise.  They  took  possession  of  the  country  bounding 
on  the  great  lakes,  and  in  possession  of  whicji  their  de- 
scendants remain  to  the  present  day.  A  description  of 
whose  manners  and  customs  will  be  found  in  the  succeed- 
ing chapter. 

We  shall  close  this  chapter  with  a  few  remarks  relative 
to  the  state,  customs  and  ludicrous  opinions  of  the  Indians 
in  New-England,  when  first  visited  by  our  forefathers,  and 
of  their  rapid  depopulation  since  that  period. 

We  cannot  even  hazard  a  conjecture  respecting  the  In- 
(Fian  population  of  New-England,  at  the  time  of  its  first 
settlement  by  the  English.  Capt.  Smith,  in  a  voyage  to 
this  coast  in  1614,  supposed  that  on  the  Massachusetts 
islands  there  are  about  3000  Indians.  All  accounts  agree 
that  the  sea  coast  and  neighboring  islands  were  thickly 
inhabited.  "^'^  *  k 

Three  y«ari  before  the  arrival  of  the  Plymouth  colony, 
14 


^"•^^amtr^ 


■  ^ 


106 


INDIAN    WAItS. 


a  very  mortal  sickness,  supposed  to  havj  been  the  plague 
or  yellow  fever,  raged  with  great  violence  among  them 
in  the  eastern  parts  of  New-England.  Whole  towns 
were  depopulated.  The  living  were  not  able  to  bury 
the  dead  ;  and  their  bonies  were  found  lying  above  ground 
many  years  after.  The  Massachusetts  Indians  are  said 
to  have  been  reduced  from  30,000  to  three  hundred  fight- 
ing men.  In  1633  the  small  pox  swept  off  great  num* 
bers  in  Massachusetts. 

In  1763,  on  the  island  of  Nantucket,  in  the  space  of 
four  months,  the  Indians  were  reduced  by  a  mortal  sick- 
ness, from  three  hundred  and  twenty  to  eighty-five  souls. 
The  hand  of  Providence  is  notable  in  these  surprising 
instances  of  mortality  among  the  Indians  to  make  room 
for  the  whites.  Comparatively  few  have  perished  by 
vrars ;  and  the  descendants  of  the  few  that  were  hot 
driven  to  the  westward  by  the  English,  waste  and  moul- 
der away,  and  in  a  manner  unaccountably  disappear. 

The  number  in  the -state  of  Connecticut,  in  1774,  was 
1363.  The  principal  part  of  their  population  in  this 
state  is  at  Mohegan,  in  the  county  of  New- London. 
These  are  the  descendants  of  the  Mohegans,  of  whom 
frequent  mention  is  made  in  the  foregoing  pages,  as  be- 
ing very  serviceable  (under  the  command  of  Uncus)  to 
the  English  in  their  many  engagements  with  the  natives. 
The  Mohfigani  have  ever  exhibited  great  reverence  for 
the  descendants  of  their  royal  sachem.  After  the  death 
of  Uncus,  his  body,  by  his  request,'  was  conveyed  to 
Norwich,  and  there  interred  in  the  neighborhood  of  one 
of  his  lorts.  This  spot  was  selected  by  him  previous  to 
his  death,  and  it  was  his  dying  request  that  the  wliole 
family  of  Uncus  should  there  be  buried  ;  a  request  which 
has  been  strictly  complied  with  by  the  Mohegans,  who, 
although  the  distance  is  seven  miles  from  their  own  bury- 
ing ground,  have  and  continue  to  deposite  there  the  de- 
scendants of  their  revered  sachem. 

The  number  of  Indians  in  Rhode-Island,  in  17S3,  was 
only  five  hundred  and  twenty-five.  More  than  half  these 
lived  in  Charlestown,  in  the  county  of  Washington.  In 
1774  their  number  was  148;^  ;  so  that,  in  nine  years  the 
decreait  was  sine  hvifirecl  aid  ftfty^scvAn.    W«  have 


V  f 


llfBIAIf  WARg. 


107 


plague 
;  them 
i  towns 
0  bury 
ground 
are  said 
5d  fight- 
at  num- 

space  of 
tal  sick- 
ve  souls, 
jrprising 
ke  room 
ished   by 
ivere  hot  _ 
ind  moul- 
ppear. 
1774,  was 
m  in  this 
-London. 

of  whom 
es,  as  be- 

Jncus)  to 
le  natives, 
erence  for 

the  death 
nveyed  to 
)od  of  one 
)revious  to 

the  whole 
uest  which 

;ans,  who, 

own  bury- 

ere  the  de- 


1 


17S3,  was 
half  these 
ngton.  In 
e  years  the 


not  been  able  to  ascertain  the  exact  state  of  the  Indian 
population  of  Massachusetts  and  New-Hampshire.  In 
1784  there  was  a  tribe  of  about  forty  Indians  at  ISor- 
ridgcwalk,  in  the  province  of  Maine,  with  some  few  other 
scattei'ing  remains  of  tribes  in  other  parts,  and  a  number 
of  towns  thinly  inhabited  round  Cape  Cod. 

When  the  English  first  arrived  in  America  the  Indians 
had  no  times  or  places  set  apart  for  religious  worship. 
The  first  settlers  in  New-England  were  at  great  pains 
to  introduce  among  them  the  habits  of  civilized  life,  and 
to  instruct  them  in  the  Christian  religion.  A  few  years 
intercourse  with  them  induced  them  to  cstabhsh  several 
good  and  natural  regulations. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Elliot,  of  Roxbury,  near  Boston,  who 
has  been  styled  the  great  Indian  apostle^  with  much  la- 
bor learned  the  Natic  dialect.  He  published  an  Indian 
grammar,  and  preached  in  Indian  to  several  tribes,  and 
in  1664,  translated  the  Bible  and  several  religious  books 
into  the  Indian  language.  He  relates  several  pertin&nt 
queries  of  the  Indians  respecting  the  Christian  religion. 
Among  others,  whether  Jesus  Christ,  the  mediator  or 
interpreter,  could  understand  prayer  in  the  Indian  lan- 
guage ?  If  the  father  be  bad  and  the  child  good,  why 
should  God  in  the  second  commandment  be  offended  with 
the  child  ?  How  the  Indians  came  to  differ  so  much 
from  the  English  in  the  knowledge  of  God  and  Jesus 
Christ,  since  they  all  sprung  from  one  father?  Mr. 
Elliot  was  indefatigable  in  his  labors,  and  travelled 
through  all  parts  of  Massachusetts  and  Plymouth  colo- 
nies, as  far  as  Cape  Cod.  The  colony  had  such  a  vene- 
ration for  him  that  in  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly 
relating  to  Indians,  they  expressed  themselves  thus : — 
"  By  the  advice  of  the  said  magistrates  and  of  Mr. 
Elliot." 

Concerning  the  religioa  of  the  untaught  natives  of 
New-England,  who  once  held  to  a  plurality  of  deities, 
after  the  arrival  of  the  English  supposed  there  were  only 
three,  because  they  saw  people  of  three  kinds  of  com- 
plexions^ viz.  English,  negroes  and  themselves. 

It  was  a  notion  pretty  generally  prevailing  among  them, 
that  it  was  not  the  same  God  who  made  them  who  made 


108 


INDIAN    WARS. 


US  ;  but  that  they  were  created  after  the  white  people  ; 
and  it  is  probable  they  supposed  their  god  gained  some 
special  skill,  by  seeing  the  white  people  made,  and  so 
made  them  better  ;  for  it  is  certain  they  looked  upon 
themselves,  and  their  methods  uf  living  which  they  say 
their  god  expressly  prescribed  for  them,  vastly  prefera- 
ble to  the  white  people  and  their  methods. 

With  regard  to  a  future  state  of  existence,  many  of 
them  imagined  that  the  chichung,  i.  e.  the  shadow,  or 
what  survived  the  body,  would  at  death  go  southward, 
and  in  an  unknown  but  curious  place  would  enjoy  some 
kind  of  happiness,  such  as  hunting,  feasting,  dancing, 
and  the  like.  And  what  they  supposed  would  contribute 
much  to  their  happiness  was,  that  they  should  there  never 
be  weary  of  those  entertainments. 

The  natives  of  New-England  believe  not  only  plurality 
of  gods,  who  made  and  governed  the  several  nations  of 
the  world,  but  they  made  deities  of  every  thing  they  im- 
agined to  be  great  and  powerful,  beneficial  or  hurtful  to 
mankind  ;  yet  they  conceived  an  almighty  being,  whom 
they  called  Kichtau,  who  at  first,  according  to  their  tra- 
dition, made  a  man  and  woman  out  of  stone,  but  upon 
some  dislike  destroyed  them  again,  and  then  made  an- 
other couple  out  of  a  tree,  from  whom  descended  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth  ;  but  how  they  come  to  be  scattered 
and  dispersed  into  countrieis  so  remote  from  one  another 
they  could  not  tell.  They  believed  their  supreme  god 
to  be  a  good  being,  and  paid  a  sort  of  ^acknowledgment 
to  him  for  plenty,  victory,  and  other  benefits. 

The  immortality  of  the  soul  was  universally  believed 
among  them.  When  good  men  died,  they  said,  their 
souls  went  to  Kichtau,  where  they  met  with  their  friends, 
and  enjoyed  all  manner  of  pleasures ;  when  the  wicked 
died,  they  went  to  Kitchtau  also,  but  were  commanded 
to  walk  away  ;  and  so  wander  about  in  restless  discon- 
tent and  darkness  for  ever. 

The  natives  of  New-England  in  general  were  quick 
of  apprehension,  ingenious,  and  when  pleased  nothing 
could  exceed  their  courtesy  and  friendship.  Gravity  and 
eloquence  distinguished  them  in  council,  address  and 
bravery  in  war.     They  were  not  more  easily  provoked 


INDIAN   VfARt 


109 


cople ; 
1  some 
and  so 
i  upon 
ley  say 
refera- 

aany  of 
Jew,  or 
thward, 
>y  some 
ancingi 
atribute 
•e  never 

)lurality 
itions  of 
they  im- 
urtful  to 
r,  whom 
heir  tra- 
)ut  upon 
lade  an- 
all  the 
icattered 

another 
tme  god 

edgment 

believed 
lid,  their 
friends, 
wicked 
amanded 
s  discon- 

e  quick 
nothing 
ivity  and 
[•ess  and 
)rovoked 


i  ,> 


than  the  English,  but  when  once  they  received  an  injury, 
it  was  never  forgotten.  In  anger,  they  were  not  like 
the  English,  talkative  and  boisterous,  but  sullen  and  re- 
vengeful. The  men  declined  all  labor,  and  spent  their 
time  in  hunting,  fishing,  shooting  and  warlike  exercise. 
They  imposed  all  the  drudgery  upon  their  women,  who 
gathered  and  brought  home  their  wood,  planted,  dressed 
and  gathered  their  corn.  When  they  travelled,  the 
women  carried  their  children,  packs  and  provisions,  and 
submitted  patiently  to  such  treatment  This  ungenerous 
usage  of  their  husbands  they  repaid  with  smiles  and  good 
humor. 

The  clothing  of  the  natives  was  the  skins  of  wild  beasts. 
The  men  threw  a  mantle  of  skins  over  them,  and  wore  a 
small  flap,  which  was  termed  Indian  breeches.  The  wo- 
men were  much  more  modest.  They  wore  a  coat  of 
skins  girt  about  their  loins,  which  reached  down  to  their 
hams ;  which  they  never  put  off  in  company.  If  the 
husband  chose  to  dispose  of  his  wife's  beaver  petticoat, 
she  could  not  be  persuaded  to  part  with  it  until  he  had 
provided  another  of  some  sort.  In  the  winter  their  blan- 
kets of  skins,  which  hung  loose  in  the  summer,  was  tied 
or  wrapped  more  closely  about  them.  The  old  men  in 
the  severe  seasons  also  wore  a  sort  of  trowsers  made  of 
skins  and  fastened  to  their  girdles  ;  and  on  their  feet 
they  wore  moccasons,  made  of  moose  leather,  and  their 
chiefs  or  sachems  wore  on  their  heads  a  cap  decorated 
with  feathers. 

Their  houses  or  wigwams  were  at  best  but  miserable 
cells  ;  they  were  constructed  generally  like  arbours,  or 
small  young  trees  bent  and  twisted  together,  and  so  cu- 
riously covered  with  mats  or  bark,  that  they  were  toler- 
ably dry  and  warm.  They  made  their  fires  in  the  centre 
of  the  house,  and  there  was  an  opening  at  the  top  which 
emitted  the  smoke.  For  the  convenience  of  wood  and 
water,  these  huts  were  commonly  erected  in  groves,  near 
some  river,  brook  or  living  spring.  When  either  failed, 
the  family  removed  to  another  place. 

They  lived  in  a  poor  low  manner.  Their  food  was 
coarse  and  simple,  without  any  kind  of  seasoning,  hating 
neither  spice,  salt  or  bread.     Their  food  was  principally 


no 


IMDIAlf    WAR!. 


Ti 


the  entrails  of  moose,  deer,  bears,  and  all  kinds  of  wild 
beasts  and  fowls.  Of  fish  and  snakes  they  were  extreme- 
ly fond.  They  had  strong  stomachs,  and  no  kind  of  food 
came  amiss.  They  had  no  set  meals,  but  like  all  other 
wild  creatures,  ate  when  they  were  hungry  and  could 
find  any  thing  to  satisfy  the  cravings  of  nature.  They 
had  but  little  food  from  the  earth,  except  what  it  sponta- 
neously produced.  Indian  corn,  beans  and  squashes, 
were  the  only  eatables  for  which  the  natives  of  New-Eng- 
land labored. 

Their  household  furniture  was  of  but  small  value. 
Their  beds  were  composed  of  mats  or  skins.  They  had 
neither  chairs  or  stools,  but  commonly  sat  upon  the  ground 
with  their  elbows  upon  their  knees.  A  fpw  wooden  and 
stone  vessels  and  instruments  served  all  the  purposes  of 
domestic  life«  Their  knife  was  a  sharp  stone,  shell,  c^r 
kind  of  reed,  which  they  sharpened  in  such  a  manner  as 
to  cut  their  hair,  make  their  bows  and  arrows,  &c.  They 
made. their  axes  of  stone,  which  they  shaped  somewhat 
similar  to  our  axes  ;  but  with  the  difference  of  their  be- 
ing made  with  a  neck  instead  of  an  eye,  and  fastened  with 
a  withe  like  a  blacksmith's  chissel. 

The  manner  of  the  courtship  and  marriage  of  the  na- 
tives manifested  the  impurity  of  their  morals.  When  a 
young  Indian  wished  for  marriage,  ho  presented  the  girl 
with  whom  he  was  enamoured,  with  bracelets,  belts  and 
chains  of  wampum.  If  she  received  his  presents,  they 
cohabited  together  for  a  time  upon  trial.  If  they  pleas- 
ed each  other  they  joined  in  marriage  ;  but  if,  after  a  few 
weeks,  they  were  not  suited,  the  man,  leaving  his  pre- 
sents, quitted  the  girl  and  sought  another  mistress,  and 
she  another  lover.  In  this  manner  they  courted  until  two 
met  who  were  agreeable  to  each  other. 

The  natives  of  New-England  although  they  consisted 
of  a  great  number  of  different  nations  and  clans,  appear 
to  have  spoken  the  same  language.  From  Piscataqua  to 
Connecticut,  it  was  so  nearly  the  same,  that  the  differ- 
ent tribes  could  converse  tolerably  together.  The  Mo- 
hegan  or  Pequot  language  was  essentially  that  of  all  the 
Indians  in  New-England.  The  word  Mohegan  is  a  cor- 
ruption of  Muhhekaneew,  in  the  singular^  or  of  Muhhe- 


INDIAN    WARS. 


Ill 


i  of  wild 
Bxtreme- 
td  of  food 
all  other 
ttd  could 
.  They 
it  sponta- 
squashes, 
lew-Eng- 

all   value. 
They  had 
he  ground 
ooden  and 
urposes  of 
I,  shell,  qr 
manner  as 
&c.  They 
somewhat 
,f  their  be- 
itened  with 

of  the  na- 
When  a 
ed  the  girl 
I,  belts  and 
sents,  they 
they  pleas- 
after  a  few 
ng  bis  pre- 
stress,  and 
ad  until  two 

iy  consisted 
ans,  appear 
iscataqua  to 
the  diflfer- 
The  Mo- 
at of  all  the 
'an  is  a  cor- 
of  Muhhe- 


■     :l 


kaheek  in  the  plural  number.  The  Penobscots,  border- 
ing on  Nova-Scotia ;  the  Indians  of  St.  Francis,  in  Can- 
ada ;  the  Delawares,  in  Pensylvania ;  the  Shawnese,  on 
the  Ohio  ;  and  the  Chippewas,  at  the  westward  of  lake 
Huron,  all  now  speak  the  same  radical  language. 


CHAP.    IV. 


OF  THE  DIFFERENT  TRIBES  OF  INDIANS  INHABITING  THE  WEST- 
ERN COUNTRY. 


Being  about  to  speak  of  the  wars  with  the  savages  in 
the  western  country,  we  shall  commence  with  a  descrip- 
tion of  their  prevailing  customs  and  habits. 

They  are  the  descendants  of  those  who  once  inhabited 
the  sea-coasts,  and  who  were  driven  by  the  English,  as 
mentioned  in  the  preceding  chapter,  far  to  the  westward  ; 
so  that  but  few  of  their  descendants  are  now  to  be  found 
within  less  than  two  or  three  hundred  miles  of  the  sea  ; 
for  though  many  of  them  have  been  instructed  in  th« 
knowledge  of  Christianity,  and  districts  of  laud  have  been 
allotted  them  in  several  of  the  British  colonies,  where 
they  have  been  formed  into  sbcieCies ;  it  has  been  found 
that  in  proportion  as  they  lay  by  their  ancient  customs 
and  conform  to  the  manners  of  civilized  life,  they  dwin- 
dle away,  either  because  the  change  is  prejudicial  to 
their  cohstitutions,  or  because  when  settled  among  the 
English  they  have  great  opportunities  of  procuring  spir- 
itous  liquors,  of  which  both  sexes  are  in  general  inordi- 
nately fond  ;  very  little  care  being  ever  taken  to  prevent 
those  who  are  inclined  to  take  advantage  of  this  in  trade 
from  basely  intoxicating  them.  This  has  a  powerful  ef- 
fect on  their  constitutions,  and  soon  proves  fatal,  produ- 
cing dicases  to  which  they  were   formerly   strangers. 


na 


INBIAN    WARf. 


^)  i 


Thus  where  a  few  years  ago  there  were  considerable  set- 
tlements, their  name  is  almost  forgotten ;  and  those  who 
still  remain  have,  for  the  most  part,  joined  themselves  to 
other  nations,  in  the  interior  part  of  the  country  on  the 
banks  of  the  lakes  and  rivers. 

The  Indians  in  Canada,  and  to  the  south  of  it,  are  tall 
and  straight  beyond  the  proportion  of  most  other  nations. 
Their  bodies  are  strong,  but,  as  has  been  before  observ- 
ed, this  is  a  strength  rather  suited  to  endure  the  exercise 
of  the  chase  than  much  hard  labour.  They  have  gene« 
rally  supple  limbs,  and  the  smallest  degree  of  deformity 
is  rarely  seen  among  them.  Their  features  are  regular, 
their  complexion  somewhat  of  a  copper  colour,  or  red- 
dish brown.  Their  hair,  which  is  long,  black  and  lank, 
is  as  strong  as  that  of  a  horse.  They  carefully  eradicate 
the, hair  from  every  part  of  the  body  except  the  head, 
and  they  condne  that,  to  a  tufk  at  the  top  ;  whence  an 
erroneous  idea  has  much  prevailed,  that  the  men  of  this 
country  are  naturally  destitute  of  beards ;  but  it  is  un- 
questionable that  it  is  only  an  artificial  deprivation. 

They  generally  wear  only  a  blanket  wrapped  about 
them,  or  a  shirt,  both  of  which  they  purchase  of  the  F4ng- 
lish  traders.  When  the  Europeans  first  came  among 
them,  they  found  some  nations  entirely  naked,  and  oth- 
ers with  a  coarse  cotton  cloth,  woven  by  themselves,  put 
round  the  waist ;  but  in  the  northern  parts,  their  whole 
bodies  were  in  winter  covered  with  skins. 

The  Huron  Indians  possess  a  very  pleasant  and  fertile 
country,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  lake  which  bears  the 
same  name.  Haifa  century  ago  they  were  very  numer- 
ous, and  could  raise  six  or  seven  hundred  warriors  ;  but 
they  have  suffered  greatly  from  the  attacks  of  neighbor- 
ing tribes.  They  differ  in  their  manners  from  any  of  the 
Indian  tribes  with  which  they  are  surrounded.  They 
build  regular  houses,  which  they  cover  with  bark  ;  .  and 
are  considered  as  the  most  wealthy  Indians  on  the  con- 
tinent, having  not  only  horses,  but  some  black  cattle  and 
swine.  They  likewise  raise  corn,  so  that  after  provid- 
ing for  their  own  wants,  they  are  enabled  to  barter  the 
remainder  with  other  tribes.  Their  country  extends 
one  hnudred  and  fifty  miles  eastward  of  the  lake,  but  is 


1 


INDIAN    WARS. 


113 


rable  set- 
hose  who 
aselves  to 
'y  on  the 

it,  are  tall 
ir  nations, 
re  observ- 
c  exercise 
uve  gene- 
deformity 
'e  regular, 
p,  or   red- 
and  lank, 
'  eradicate 
the  head, 
whence   an 
nen  of  this 
it  is  un- 
ition. 

pcd  about 
fthe  Kng- 
ne  among 
,  and  oth- 
selves,  put 
leir  whole 

and  fertile 
bears  the 
ry  numer- 
riors  ;  but 
neighbor- 
any  of  the 
jd.     They 
)ark ;    and 
n  the  con- 
cattle  and 
cr  provid- 
barter  the 
ry  extends 
ake,  but  is 


narrower  in  (he  contrary  direction.  The  soil  is  not  ex- 
ceeded by  any  in  this  part  of  the  world  The  timber  is 
tall  and  beautiful ;  the  woods  abound  with  game,  and  a- 
bundance  of  Ash  may  b«  obtained  from  the  rivers  and 
lakes;  so  that  if  it  were  to  be  well  cultivated,  the  land 
would  equal  that  of  any  part  of  the  sea  coast  of  North- 
America.  A  mi3sionary  of  the  order  of  Carthusian  fri- 
ars, by  permission  of  the  bishop  of  Canada,  resides  among 
them,  and  is  by  them  amply  rewarded  for  his  services.  . 

Those  tribes  of  Indians  who  inhabit  the  banks  of  lakes 
Champlain,  George  and  Ontario,  were  formerly  called 
Iroquots  ;  but  have  since  been  known  by  the  name  of 
the  Five  Mohawk  Nations,  and  the  Mohawks  of  Cana- 
da. The  former  are  called  Onondagoes,  Oncides,  Sen- 
ecas,  Tusearories,  and  Troondocks  ^  these  fought  on  the 
side  of  the  English  in  the  contest  for  territory  with 
France.  The  Cohnawahgans  and  St.  Francis  Indians 
joined  the  French. 

The  knowledge  which  we  have  of  the  Indians  furtlier 
to  the  south-west,  beyond  45*  north  latitude,  is  chieflj 
obtained  from  that  worthy  provincial  officer  Maj.  Carver, 
who  travelled  into  those  parts  in  the  year  1776  ;  whose 
placid  manners  and  artless  sincerity  could  not  fail  of  re- 
commending him  to  men  whom  nature  alone  had  instruc* 
ted.  He  visited  twelve  nations  of  Indians  ;  among  which 
the  following  appear  to  be  the  most  considerable.:  the 
Chippeways,  who  dwell  to  the  southward  of  lake  Supe- 
rier,  and  the  Ottawas  ;  the  Winnebngoes  to  the  west  of 
lake  Michigan,  who  with  the  Saukies  and  Otignanmies, 
occupy  the  whole  extent  of  country  from  the  lake  to  the 
Mississippi,  below  42*  north  latitude,  where  the  Wiscon- 
sin river  discharges  itself.  The  Nandowcsse,  the  most 
numerous  and  extended  Indian  nation,  inhabit  the  coun- 
try to  the  west  of  the  river  Mississippi,  on  the  borders  of 
Louisiana. 

The  Indians  in  general  are  strangers  to  the  passions 
of  jealousy  ;  and  the  most  profligate  of  their  young  men 
very  rarely  attempt  the  virtue  of  married  women,  nor  do 
such  often  put  themselves  in  the  way  of  solicitation,  «!• 
though  the  Indian  women  in  general  are  amorous ;  and 
before  marriage  not  less  esteemed  for  gratifying- their 

15 


lU 


INDIAN    WARS. 


passions.  It  appears  to  have  been  a  very  prevalent  cui' 
torn  with  the  Indians  of  this  country,  before  they  became 
acquainted  with  the  Europeans,  to  compliment  straDg(*rs  ' 
with  their  wives  ;  and  the  custom  still  prevails,  not  only 
among  the  lower  rank,  but  oven  among  the  chiefs  them- 
selves, who  consider  such  an  offer  as  the  greatest  proof 
of  courtesy  they  can  give  a  stranger. 

The  men  arc  remarkable  for  their  indolence,  on  ivhich 
they  even  seem  to  value  themselves  ;  saying  that  labor 
would  degrade  them,  and  belongs  solely  to  the  women  ; 
while  they  are  formed  only  for  war,  hunting  and  fishing  ; 
to  form  their  canoes,  and  build  their  houses.  But  they 
frequently  make  the  women  assist  them  in  these,  besides 
attending  to  all  domestic  affairs,  and  cultivating  the 
land.  They  have  a  method  of  lighting  up  their  huts  with 
torches,  made  of  the  splinters  cut  from  the  pine  or  birch 
tree. 

The  Indians  have  generally  astonishing  patience  and 
equanimity  of  mind,  with  the  command  of  every  passion 
except  revenge.  They  bear  the  most  sudden  and  unex- 
pected misfortune  with  calmnt  3j  and  composure,  without 
uttering  a  word,  or  the  least  change  of  countenance. 
Even  a  prisoner  who  knows  not  whether  he  may  not  in  a 
few  hours  be  put  to  the  most  cruel  death,  seems  entirely 
unconcerned  ;  and  eats  and  dripks  with  as  much  cheer- 
fulness as  tho6C  into  whose  hands  thf;y  had  fallen.  Their 
resolution  and  courage  under  sickness  and  pain  is  really 
astonishing.  Even  when  under  the.  shocking  torture  to 
which  prisoners  are  frequently  exposed,  they  will  not  on- 
ly make  themselves  cheerful,  but  provoke  a'^f  1  i'r'tnte 
their  tormentors  by  the  most  i-.  vere  reprouchf'j. 

They  are  graceful  in  their   deportment  u[  diious 

occasions,  observant  of  those  in  company,  respectful  to 
the  o^d,  of  a  temper  cool  and  deliberate,  by  which  they 
are  nev,  •  in  haste  to  speak  before  they  have  well  thought 
of  the  m-^v  r.  and  sure  that  the  person  who  spoke  before 
them  lm*s  iiLlshed  all  that  he  had  to  say.  In  their  pub- 
lic councils  i;very  man  is  ^eard  in  his  turn,  according  to 
his  years,  his  wisdom,  or  his  serviced  to  his  country  have 
ranked  him.  Not  a  whisper  nor  a  murmur  is  heard  from 
the  regt  while  he  speaks  ;  no   indecent  commendations. 


>  > 


R 


INDIAN    WARS. 


115 


^nlcnt  cui- 
oy  became 
i  straogrrs 
s,  not  only 
liefs  them- 
atest  proof 

s,  on  iivhich 
that  labor 
e  women  ; 
nd  fishing  ; 
But  they 
ise,  besides 
vating  the 
ir  huts  with 
ne  or  birch 

atience  and 
ery  passion 
I  and  unex- 
ire,  without 
luntenance. 
ay  not  in  a 
ms  entirely 
uch  cheer- 
en.    Their 
lin  is  really 
torture  to 
will  not  on- 
r  ]  i'( 'tnte 

a     .^dlioUS 

spectful  to 
which  they 
irell  thought 
poke  before 

their  pub- 
ccording  to 
auntry  have 

heard  from 
oaendationSj 


no  ill  timed  applause.  The  youn^  attend  for  their  in- 
struction ;  for  hero  they  learn  the  history  of  their  nation, 
arc  animated  by  those  who  celebrate  the  warlike  actions 
of  their  ancestors  ;  who  are  taught  what  is  the  interesr  of 
their  country,  and  how  to  cultivate  and  pursue  it. 

Hospitality  is  exercised  aniong  them  with  the  utmost 
gener>si*7  and  good  will.  Their  houses,  their  provi- 
siopf ,  RH'i  even  their  young  women  are  presented  to  a 
^ucsi.  'i'o  those  of  their  own  nation  they  are  likewise 
very  humane  and  benificent.  If  any  of  them  succeed  ill 
in  httnting,  if  the  harvest  fails,  or  his  house  is  burnt,  he 
feels  no  other  effect  of  his  misfortune  than  its  giving  bim 
an. opportunity  of  experiencing  the  benevolence  and  re- 
gard of  his  countrymen  ;  who  for  that  purpose,  have  al- 
most every  thing  in  common.  Hut  to  the  enemies  of  his 
country,  or  to  those  who  have  privately  offended  him,  the 
native  American  is  implacable.  He  never  indeed  makes 
use  of  oaths,  or  indecent  expressions,  but  cruelly  conceals 
his  sentiments,  till  by  treachery  or  surprise  he  can  grat- 
ify his  revenge.  No  length  of  time  is  sufficient  to  allay 
his  resentment ;  no  distance  of  place  is  great  enough  to 
protect  the  object ;  he  crosses  the  steepest  mountains, 
pierces  forests  and  traverses  the  most  hideous  deserts  ; 
bearing  the  inclemency  of  the 'season,  the  fatigues  of  the 
expedition,  the  extremes  of  hunger  and  thirst,  with  pa- 
tience ani  cheerfulness,  in  hopes  of  surprising  his  enemy, 
and  exercising  upon  him  the  most  shocking  barbarities. 
When  these  cannot  be  effected,  the  revenge  is  left  as  a 
legacy  transfered  from  generation  to  generation,  from  fa- 
thf  V  to  son,  till  an  opportunity  offers  of  taking  what  they 
think  ample  satisfaction.  To  such  extremes  do  the  In- 
dians push  their  friendship,  or  their  enmity  ;  .and  such 
indeed  is  in  general  the  character  of  all  uncivilized  na- 
tions. They  however  esteem  nothing  so  unworthy  a  man 
of  sense  as  a  peevish  temper,  and  a  pronencss  to  sudden 
and  rash  anger. 

On  the  other  hand,  they  are  highly  sensible  of  the  u- 
tility  an  1  pleasures  of  friendship  ;  for  each  of  them,  at  a 
certain  age,  make  choice  of  some  one  nearly  of  the  same 
standing  in  life  to  be  their  most  ii.timate  and  bosom  friend. 
These  two  enter  into  mutual  engagements,  which  they 


116 


IMDIAIf    WARS. 


oblige  themselves  to  brave  any  danger  and  run  any  risk,  * 
to  asiist  and  support  each  other.  This  attachment  is 
even  carried  to  far  as  to  overcome  the  fear  of  d?ath, 
which  they  consider  as  only  a  temporary  separation  ;  be- 
ing persuaded  that  they  shall  meet  and  be  united  in  friend- 
ship in  the  other  world,  never  to  be  separated  more  ;  and 
that  there  they  shall  need  one  another's  assistance  as 
well  as  here. 

It  does  not  appear  that  there  is  any  Indian  nation  that 
lias  not  some  sense  of  a  Deity,  and  a  kind  of  supersti- 
tious religion.  Their  ideas  of  the  nature  and  attributes 
of  God  are  very  obscure,  and  some  of  them  absurd  ;  but 
they  conceive  of  him  as  the  Great  Spirit,  and  imagine 
that  his  more  immediate  residence  is  on  the  island  of  the 
great  lakes.  They  seem  to  have  some  idea  that  theire 
are  spirits  of  a  higher  order  than  man ;  and  supposing 
them  to  be  every  where  present,  frequently  invoke  them 
and  endeavor  to  act  agreeably  to  their  desires.  They 
likewise  imagine  that  there  is  an  evil  spirit,  who  they  say 
is  always  inclined  to  mischief,  and  bears  great  sway  in 
the  creation.  This  indeed  is  the  principal  object  of  their 
devotion.  They  generally  address  him  most-  heartily, 
beseeching  him  iq  do  them  no  harm.  But  supposing  the 
others  to  be  propitious,  and  ever  inclined  to  do  good, 
they  intreat  those  spirits  to  bestow  blessings  upon  them 
and  prevent  the  evil  spirit  from  hurting  them.  Maj.  Car; 
ver  relates,  that  one  of  the  most  considerable  chiefs  o- 
mong  the  Ottawas,  with  whom  he  remained  a  night,  on 
attending  him  to  his  canoe  the  next  morning,  with  great 
solemnity  and  in  an  audible  voice  offered  up  a  fervent 
•prayer,  as  he  entered  his  canoe,  "  that  the  Great  Spirit 
would  favor  him  with  a  prosperous  voyage  ;  that  he  would 
give  him  an  unclouded  sky  and  smooth  waters  by  day, 
and  that  he  might  lie  down  by  night  on  a  beaver  blanket, 
enjoyiiig  uninterrupted  sleep  and  pleasant  dreams  ;  and 
also  that  he  might  find  continual  security  under  the  great 
pipe  of  peace."  'J'o  procure  the  protection  of  the  good 
spirit  they  imagine  it  necessary  to  distingiiish-themselves, 
and  that  they  must,  abov«  all  other  attainments,  become 
good  warriors,  expert  hunters  and  steady  marksmen. 

Their  priests  oft^  persuade  the  people  that  they  have 


is 


M 


I    . 


INDIAN    WARS. 


117 


any  risk,  - 
:hment  is 
of  cl?Qtb, 
ition  ;  be- 
in  friend- 
Dore  ;  and 
istance  as 

latiun  that 
'  supersti- 
attributes 
surd ;  but 
d  imagine 
land  of  the 
that  there 
supposing 
ivoke  them 
BS.     They 
10  they  say 
it  sway  in 
5ct  of  their 
t-  heartily, 
posing  the 
do  good, 
ipon  them 
Maj.  Car; 
e  chiefs  o- 
.  night,  on 
with  great 
)  a  fervent 
reat  Spirit 
it  he  would 
•s  by  day, 
it  blanket, 
iams ;  and 
r  the  great 
)f  the  good 
emselves, 
;,  become 
smen. 
they  have 


revelations  of  future  events,  and  are  authorised  to  com- 
mand them  to  pursue  such  and  such  measures.  They 
also  undertake  to  unfold  the  mysteries  of  religion  and  to 
solve  and  interpret  nil  their  dreams.  They  represent  the 
other  world  as  a  place  abounding  with  &n  inexhaustible 
plenty  of  every  thing  desirable,  where  they  shall  enjoy 
the  most  full  and  exquisite  gratification  qf  their  senses.' 
This  is  doubtless  the  motive  that  induces  the  Indian  to 
meet  death  with  such  indifference  and  composure  ;  none 
of  them  being  in  the  least  dismayed  at  the  news  that  he 
has  but  a  few  hours  or  minutes  to  live  ;  but  with  the 
greatest  intrepidity  sees  himself  Aipon  the  brink  of  being 
separated  from  all  terrestrial  things,  and  with  great  ser- 
enity talks  to  all  around  him.  Thus  a  father  leaves  his 
dying  advice  to  his  children,  and  takes  a  formal  leave  of 
all  his  friends. 

They  testify  great  indifference  for  the  productions  of 
art ;  "It  is  pretty,  I  like  to  look  at  it,"  but  express  no 
curiosity  about  its  construction.  Such  however  is  not 
their  behavior  when  they  are  told  of  a  person  who  dis- 
tinguishes himself  by  agility  in  running  ;  is  well  skilled 
in  hunting  ;  can  take  a  most  exact  aim ;  work  a  canoe 
along  a  rapid  with  great  dexterity  ;  is  skilled  in  all  the 
arts  which  their  stealthy  mode  of  carrying  on  a  war  is  ca- 
pable of;  oris  acute  in  discovering  the  situation  of  a 
country,  and  can  without  a  guide  pursue  his  proper  course 
through  a  vast  forest,  and  support  hunger,  thigst  and  fa- 
tigue with  invincible  firmness  ;  at  such  a  relation  their 
attention  is  aroused.  They  listen  to  the  interesting  tale 
with  delight,  and  express  in  the  strongest  terms  their  es- 
teem for  so  great  and  so  wonderful  a  man. 

They  generally  bury  their  dead  with  great  decency, 
and  deposite  in  the  grave  such  articles  as  the  deceased 
had  made  the  greatest  use  of,  and  been  most  attached  to  ; 
as  his  bows  and  arrows,  pipes,  tobacco,  &.C.;  that  he  may 
not  be  in  want  of  any  thing  when  he  comes  to  the  other 
country.  The  mothers  mourn  for  their  children  a  long 
time,  and  the  neighbors  make  presents  to  the  father,  and 
he  in  return  gives  them  a  feast. 

Every  band  has  a  leader,  who  bears  the  name  of  sa* 
chem  or  chief  warrior,  and  is  chosen  for  his  tried  valour 


118 


INDIAN    WAES. 


■*!: 


or  skill  in  conducting  the  wnr. .  To  him  is  entrusted  all 
military  operations  ;  but  his  authority  does  not  extend  to 
civil  affairs,  that  pre-eminence  l:eing  given  to  another, 
who  possesses  it  by  a  kind  of  hereditary  claim,  and  whose 
assent  \f  necessary  to  render  valid  all  conveyances  of 
land,  or  treaties  of  whatever  kind,  to  which  he  affixes 
the  mark  of  the  tribe  or  nation.  Though  these  military 
and  civil  chiefs  are  considered  the  heads  of  the  band,  and 
the  latter  is  usually  styled  king,  yet  the  American  Indians 
consider  themselves  as  controlled  by  neither  civil  or  mil- 
itary authority.  Every  individual  regards  himself  as  free 
and  independent,  and  would  never  renounce  the  idea  of 
liberty  ;  therefore  injunctions,  conveyed  in  the  style  of  a 
positive  command,  would  be  disregarded  and  treated  with 
contempt.  Nor  do  their  leaders  assume  an  ascendency 
repugnant  to  these  sentiments,  but  merely  advise  what 
is  necessary  to  be  donie,  which  is  sufficient  to  produce  th6 
most  prompt  and  effectual  execution,  never  producing  a 
murmur. 

Their  great  council  is  composed  of  the  heads  of  tribes 
and  families,  and  of  those  whose  capacity  has  raised  them 
to  the  same  degree  of  consideration.  They  meet  in  a 
house  built  in  each  of  their  towns  for  that  purpose,  and 
also  to  receive  ambassadors  ;  to  deliver  them  an  answer, 
to  sing  their  traditionary  songs,  or  to  commemorate  the 
dead.  In  these  council;!  they  propose  all  such  matters 
as  concern  the  state,  and  which  have  already  been  diges- 
ted in  the  secret  councils,  at  which  nona  but  the  head 
men  assist.  The  chiefs  seldom,  speak  much  themselves 
at  these  general  meetings,  but  entrust  their  sentiments 
with  a  person  who  is  called  their  speaker  or  orator,  there 
being  one  of  this  profession  in  every  tribe  or  town  ;  and 
their  manner  of  speaking  is  natural  and  easy  ;  their 
words  strong  and  expressive,  their  style  told,  figurative 
and  laconic,  whatever  is  told  tending  either  to  the  judg- 
ment or  to  rouse  the  passions. 

When  any  business  of  consequence  is  transacted  they 
appoint  a  feast  upon  the  occasion,  of  which  almost  the 
whole  nation  partakes.  Before  the  entertainment  is  rea- 
dy the  principal  person  begins  with  a  song  on  the  re- 
markable events  of  their  history,  and  whatever  may  tend* 


INDIAN  WARS. 


119 


usted  all 
ixtend  to 
another, 
nd  whose 
ances  of 
le  affixes 
s  military 
band,  and 
n  Indians 
iril  or  mil- 
elf  as  free 
e  idea  of 
style  of  a 
j'ated  with 
scendency 
nse  what 
oduce  th6 
educing  a 


to  their  honour  or  instruction.  The  others  sing  in  their 
turn.  They  also  have  dances,  chiefly  of  a  martial  kind  ; 
and  no  solemnity  or  public  business  is  carried  on  without 
§ongs  and  dances. 

As  the  Indians  are  high  spirited  and  soon  irritated, 
the  most  trifling  provocations  frequently  rouse  them  to 
arms,  and  prove  the  occasion  of  bloodshed  and  murder., 
Their  petty  private  quarrels  are  often  decided  this  way, 
and  expeditions  undertaken  without  the  knowledge  or 
consent  of  the  general  council.  These  private  expedi- 
tions are  winked  at  and  excused,  as  a  means  of  keeping 
their  young  men  in  action,  and  inuring  them  to  the  exer- 
tions t)f  war. 

But  when  war  becomes  a  national  affair,  it  is  entered 
upon  with  great  deliberation.  They  flrst  call  an  assem- 
bly of  sachems  or  chief  warriors,  to  deliberate  upon  the 
affair,  and  every  thing  relating  to  it.  In  this  general 
congress  among  the  northern  Indians  and  Five  Nations, 
the  women  have  a  voice  as  well  as  the  men.  When  they 
are  assembled  the  chief  sachem  or  president  proposes  (he 
affair  they  have  met  to  consult  upon,  and  taking  up  the 
tomahawk,  which  lays  by  him,  says,  "  Who  among  you 
will  go  and  flght  against  such  a  nation  ?  Who  among 
you  will  bring  captives  from  thence  to  replace  our  de- 
ceased friends,  that  our  wrongs  may  be  revenged  'and 
our  name  and  honour  maintained  as  long  as  the  rivers 
flow,  the  grass  grows,  or  the  sun  and  moon  shall  endure?" 
Then  one  of  the  principal  warriors  rising,  harrangues 
the  whole  assembly,  and  afterwards,  addressing  himself 
to  the  young  men,  inquires  who  will  go  with  him  and 
fight  their  enemies?  When  they  generally  rise,  one  af- 
ter another,  and  fall  in  behind  him,  while  he  walks  round 
the  circle,  till  he  is  joined  by  a  sufficient  number. 

On  such  occasions  they  usually  have  a  deer,  or  some 
other  beast,  roasted  whole  ;  and  each  of  them,  as  they 
consent  to  go  to  war,  cuts  off  a  piece  and  eats,  saying, 
"  Thus  wijl  I  devour  our  enemies  ;"  mentioning  the  na- 
tion they  are' going  to  attack.  The  ceremony  being 
performed,  the  dance  commences,  and  they  sing  their 
war  song,  which  has  relation  to  their  intended  expedi- 
tion and  conquest,  or  to  their  own   skill,  courage  and 


120 


INDIAN    WAUS. 


dexterity  in  fighting,  and  the  manner  in  wliich  they  will 
vanquish  their  enemies.  Their  expressions  are  strong 
and  pathetic,  and  are  accompanied  with  a  tone  that  in- 
spires terror. 

Such  is  the  influence  of  their  women  in  these  consulta- 
tions,  that  tiie  issue  depends  much  upon  them.  If  any 
one  of  them,  in  conjunction  with  the  chiefs,  has  a  mind 
to  excite  one  who  does  not  immediately  depend  upon 
them  to  take  an  active  part  in  the  war,  she  presents  by 
the  hands  of  some  trusty  young  warrior,  a  string  of  wam- 
pum to  the  person  whose  help  she  solicits,  which  seldom 
fails  of  producing  the  desired  effect.  Put  when  they  so- 
licit an  offensive  or  defensive  alliance  with  a  whole  na- 
tion, they  send  an  embassy  with  a  large  belt  of  wampum 
and  a  bloody  hatchet,  inviting  them  to  come  and  drink 
the  blood  of  their  enemies* 

The  wampum  use^  on  these  and  other  occasions,  be- 
fore their  acquaintance  with  Europeans,  was  only  small 
shells,  which  they  picked  up  by  the  sea-coasts  and  on  the 
banks  of  the  lakes.  It  now  consists  principally  of  a  kind 
of  cylindrical  beads,  made  of  white  and  black  shells, 
which  are  esteemed  among  them  as  silver  and  gold  are 
among  us.  The  black  they  think  the  most  valuable. 
Both  of  them  are  their  greatest  riches  and  ornaments, 
anstVering  all  the  ends  of  money  among  us.  They  have 
the  art  of  stringing,  twisting  and  interweaving  them  into 
their  belts,  collars,  blankets,  &c.  in  ten  thousand  differ- 
ent sizes,  forms  and  figures,  so  as  not  only  to  be  orna- 
ments for  every  part  of  dress,  but  expressive  of  all  their 
important  transactions.  They  d}e  the  wampum  of  Vari- 
ous colours  and  shades  ;  and  so  they  are  made  significant 
of  almost  any  thing  they  please.  By  these  their  records 
are  kept,  and  their  thoughts  communicated  to  one  anoth- 
er, as  ours  are  by  writing.  Thus  the  belts  that  pass 
from  one  nation  to  another,  in  all  important  transactions, 
are  carefully  preserved  in  the  cabin  of  their  chiefs,  and 
serve  both  as  a  kind  of  record  or  history,  and  as  a  public 
treasure.  Hence  they  are  never  used  on  trifling  occa- 
sions. 

The  calumet,  or  pipe  of  peace,  is  of  no  less  impor- 
tance, nor  is  it  less  revered  among  them.     The  bowl  is 


!!i 


INDIAN    UTARS. 


121 


they  will 
strong 
that  in- 


e 


consulta- 
If  any 
as  a  mind 
ind  upon 
eseiits  by 
5  of  wam- 
:h  seldom 
n  they  so- 
vhole  na- 
r  wampum 
ind  drink 

sions,  be- 

3nly  small 

and  on  the 

yofa  kind 

ck  shells, 

I  gold  are 

valuable. 

rnaments, 

ley  have 

them  into 

nd  differ- 

be  orna- 

f  all  their 

m  of  tari- 

ignificant 

ir  records 

ne  anoth- 

that  pass 

nsactionSf 

hiefs,  and 

a  public 

ng  occa- 

■ss  impor- 
e  bowl  is 


made  of  a  kind  of  soft  red  stone,  easily  wrought  and  hol- 
lowed out  ;  the  slcru  is  of  can«,  or  light  wood,  painted 
with  ditiferent  colours,  and  adorned  with  the  heads,  tails 
and  feathers  of  the  most  beautiful  birds,  &c.  ^ho  use 
ol  the  calumet  is  to  smoke  cither  tobacco,  or  some  other 
herb  used  instead  of  it,  wiien  they  enter  into  an  alliance 
or  any  solemn  engagement ;  this  being  esteemed  the  most 
sacred  oath  that  can  be  taken,  the  violation  of  which  is. 
thought  to  be  most  infamous,  and  deserving  severe  pun- 
ishment in  the  other  life.  When  they  treat  of  war  the 
whole  pipe  and  all  its  ornaments  nrf.  red  ;  sometimes  it 
is  red  only  on  one  side,  and  by  the  disposition  of  the  fea- 
thers, &c.  a  person  acquainted  with  their  customs'knows 
at  first  sight  the  intentions  or  desires  of  the  nation  which 
presents  it.  Smoking  the  calumet  is  also  upon  some  OC' 
casions,  <ind  in  all.  treaties,  considered  as  a  sacred  oath, 
as  a  seal  of  their  decrees,  and  a  pledge  of  their  perform- 
-ance  of  them.  The  size  and  decorations  of  their  ealu- 
mets  are  commonly  proportioned  to  the  importance  of 
the  occasion,  to  the  quality  of  the  person  to  whom  they 
are  presented,  and  to  the  esteem  and  regard  they  hava 
for  them.     , 

Another  instrument  of  great  importance  among  them 
is  the  tomahawk.  This  is  an  ancient  weapon  used  by 
them  in  war,  before  they  were  taught  the  use  of  iron  or 
steel ;  since  which  hatchets  have  been  substituted  in  the 
room  of  them  :  but  it  retains  its  use  and  importance  in 
public  transactions,  and  like  the  pipe  is  very  significant. 
This  instrument  is  formed  in  some  respects  like  a  hatch- 
et, having  a  long  handle  ;  the  head  which  is  a  round  knob 
of  solid  wood,  calculated  to  knock  a  man  down,  has  on  the 
other  side  a  point  bcndiog  a  little  toward  the  handle  ; 
and  near  the  centre,  where  the  handle  pierces  the  head, 
another  point  projects  for'vard,  of  considerable  length, 
which  serves  to  tiirust  with  like  a  spear.  The  tomahawk 
is  also  omamented  with  painting  and  feathers,  diposed 
and  variegated  in  many  significant  forms,  according  to 
the  occasion  and  end  for  which  they  are  used  ;  and  on  it 
are  kept  a  kind  of  journal  of  their  marches  and  most  im- 
portant occurrences  in  a  kind  of  hieroglyphics.  When 
the  council  is  called  to  deliberate  on  war,  the  tomahawk . 

16 


Iff 


INDIAN    WARS. 


Ili  , 


is  colourpj  red  ;  rnd  when  the  council  sits  it  is  laid  down 
by  the  chief,  and  if  war  be  concluded  upon,  the  captain 
of  the  youni;  w.  rriors  takes  it  up,  and  holding  it  in  his 
hand,  dances  and  sings  the  war  song.  When  the  council 
is  over,  this  or  snnc  other  one  of  the  same  kind,  is  sent 
by  the  hands  of  the  same  warrior  to  every  tribe  concern- 
ed ;  who  with  it  presents  a  belt  of  wampum,  and  delivers 
his  message,  throwing  a  tomahawk  on  the  ground,  which 
is  taken  up  by  one  of  the  most  expert  warriors,  if  they 
choose  to  join  ;  if  not,  it  is  returned  with  a  belt  of  their 
wampum  suited  to  the  occasion. 

Kach  nation  or  tribe  has  its  distinct  ensign,  generally 
consisting  of  some  beast,  bird  or  fish.  Thus  the  Five 
Nations  have  the  bear,  otter,  wolf,  tortoise  and  eagle  ; 
by  thes.c  names  the  tribes  are  generally  distinguished, 
and  the  shapes  of  these  animals  are  pricked  ajid  painted 
on. several  parts  of  their  bodies.  Generally  when  they 
march  through  the  woods,  at  every  encampment,  they  cut 
the  figure  of  their  grms  on  the  trees,  especially  when  thdy 
have  had  a  successful  campaign,  that,  travallers  may  kno\V 
they  have  been  there  ;  recording  also  in  their  way  the 
number  of  prisoners  and  scalps  they  have  taken. 

Their  military  appearance  is  very  odd  and  terrible. 
They  cut  off  all  their  hair,  except  a  spot  on  the  crown 
of  their  head,  and  pluck  out  their  eye-brows.  The  lock 
left  upon  the  head  is  divided  into  several  parcels,  each  of 
which  is  stiffened  and  intermixed  with  beads  and  feathers 
of  various  shapes  and  colours,  the  whole  twisted  and  con- 
nected together.  They  paint  themselves  with  a  red  pig- 
ment down  to  the  eye-brows,  which  they  sprinkle  over 
with  white  down.  The  gristle  of  their  ears  are  slit  al- 
most quite  round,  and  hung  with  ornaments  that  have 
generally  the  figure  of  some  bird  or  beast  drawn  -upon 
them.  Their  nosts  arc  likewise  bored  and  hung  with 
beads,  and  their  faces  painted  with  various  colours.  On 
their  breasts  are  a  gorget  or.  medal  of  brass, ^copper,  or 
some  other  metal ;  and  by  a  string  which  goes  round 
their  necks,  is  susdended  that  horrid  weapon  called  the 
scalping  knife. 

'1  has  equipped  they  march  forth  singing  their  war-song 
till  they  bse  sight   of  their  village  ;  and  are  generally 


iaimBIB 


mmmm 


INDIAN    WAAt 


m 


laid  down 
ft  captain 
it  in  his 
ic  council 
d,  is  sent 
concern- 
\  delivers 
lid,  which 
;,  if  they 
t  of  their 

jjcnerally 
the    Five 
d    eagle  ; 
nguished, 
d  painted 
/hen  they 
t,  they  cut 
when  thdy 
may  know 
way  the 
n. 
terrible, 
le  crown 
The  lock 
s,  each  of 
feathers 
and  con- 
a  red  pig- 
ikle  over 
re  slit  al- 
hat   have 
iwn  -upon 
5  with 
)urs.    On 
opper,  or 
es   round 
ailed  the 

war-song 
generally 


followed  by  their  women,  who  assist  them  in  carrying 
their  baggage,  whether  by  land  or  water,  but  communly 
return  before  they  proceed  to  action. 

They  have  in  most  cases  one  commOnder  for  ten  men  ; 
nnd  if  the  nuniber  amount  to  one  hundred,  a  general  is 
appointed  over  the  others,  not  for  ihe  purpose  of  com- 
mand, but  to  give  his  opinion.  They  have  no  stated 
rules  of  discipline,  or  fixed  methods  of  carrying  on  a  war; 
but  make  their  attacks  in  as  many  different  ways  as  there 
ore  occasions,  but  generally  in  flying  parties  equipped 
for  that  purpose. 

The  weapons  used  by  those  who  trade  with  the  Eng- 
lish and  French  are  commonly  a  firelock,  a  hatchet  and 
a  scalping  knife  ;  but  the  others  use  bows,  tomahawks 
and  pikes.  As  the  commander  in  chief  governs  only  by 
advice,  and  can  neither  reward  nor  punish,  every  private 
may  return  home  when  he  pleases,  without  assigning  any 
reason  for  it ;  or  any  number  may  leave  the  main  body 
and  carry  on  a  private  expedition,  in  whatever  manner 
they  please,  without  being  called  to  account  for  their 
conduct. 

When  they  return  from  a  successful  campaign  they 
contrive  their  march  so  as  not  to  approach  their  village 
till  towards  the  evening.  They  then  send  two  or  three 
forward  to  acquaint  their  chief  and  the  whole  village  with 
ihe  most  material  circumstances  of  their  campaign.  At 
daylight  the  next  morning,  they  give  the  prisoners  new 
clothes,  paint  their  faces  with  various  colours,  and  put 
into  their  hands  a  white  staff,  tasselled  round  with 'the 
tails  of  deer.  This  being  done,  the  war  captain  sets  up 
a  cry  and  gives  as  many  yells  as  he  has  taken  prisoners 
and  scalps,  and  the  whole  village  assemble  at  the  water 
side.  As  soon  as  the  warriors  appear,  four  or  five  of 
their  young  men,  well  clothed,  get  into  a  canoe,  if  they 
come  by  water,  or  otfiorwise  march  by  land  ;  the  two  first 
carrying  a  caliimt't,  po  out  singing  to  search  the  prison- 
ers, whom  they  lead  in  triumph  to  the  cabin  where  they 
are  to  receive  their  doom.  The, owner  of  this  cabin  has 
the  power  of  detf  rmining  their  fate,  though  it  is  often  left 
to  some  woman  who  has  lost  a  husband,  brother,  or  son, 
in  the  war ;  and  when  this  is  the  case    she  generally  a- 


'M. 


124. 


rWDIAN    WARS. 


(lopts  him  in  the  place  of  the  deceased.  Tlic  prisoner 
has  victuals  immediate)}'  given  him,  and  \\\u\o  he  is  at 
his  repast  a  consultation  is  held  ;  and  if  it  be  rcsolv(  d  to 
save  his  life,  two  young  men  untie  him  and  take  him  hy 
the  hands,  leading  him  to  the  cabin  of  the  person  into 
whose  family  he  is  to  be  adopted,  and  there  he  is  receiv- 
ed with  all  imaginable  marks  of  kindness.  He  is  treated 
as  a  friend,  as  a  brother,  or  as  a  husband,  and  they  soon 
love  him  with  the  same  tenderness  as  if  he  stood  in  the 
p'acc  of  one  of  their  friends.  In  short  he  has  no  other 
marks  of  captivity  except  his  not  being  suffered  to  return 
to  his  own  nation  ;  for  his  attempting  this  would  be  pun- 
ished with  certain  death.  But  if  the  sentence  be  death) 
how  different  their  conduct. 

These  people,  who  behave  with  such  disinterested  af- 
fection to  each  other,  u  ith  such  tenderness  to  those  whom 
thoy  adopt,  here  show  that  they  are  truly  savages.  The 
droauful  sentence  is  no  sooner  passed,  than  the  whole  vil- 
lage set  up  the  death-cry,  and,  as  if  there  were  no  me- 
dium between  the  most  generous  friendship  and  the  most 
inhuman  cruelty  ;  for  the  execution  of  him  whom  they  had 
just  before  deliberated  upon  admitting  into  their  tribe,  is 
no  longer  deferred  than  whilst  they  can  make  the  neces- 
sary preparations  for  rioting  in  the  most  diabolical  cruelty. 
J  hey  first  strip  him,  and  fixing  two  posts  in  the  ground, 
fasten  to  them  t\«o  pieces  from  one  to  the  other ;  one 
about  tw  0  feet  from  the  ground,  the  other  about  five  or 
six  feet  higher;  then  obliging  the.  unhappy  victim  to 
mount  upon  the  lower  cross,  piece,  they  tie  his  legs  to  it 
a  little  Qssunder.  His  hands  are  extended  and  tied  to  the 
angles  formed  by  the  upper  piece.  In  this  posture,  they 
hujn  him  all  over  the  body,  sometimes  first  daubing  him 
with  pitch.  'I  he  whole  village,  men,  women,  and  chih 
dron,  assemble  round  him,  every  one  torturing  him  in  what 
manner  they  please  ;  each  striving  to  exceed  the  other  in 
cruelty,  as  long  as  lie  has  life.  But  if  none  of  the  by- 
standers are  inclined  to  lengthen  out  his  torments,  he  is 
either  shot  to  death,  or  enclosed  with  dry  bark  to  which 
they  set  fire;  they  then  leave  him  on  the  frame,  and  in 
the  evening  run  from  cabin  to  cabin,  superstitiously  strik- 
ing V\ith  small  tuigs,  tl:e  furniture,  walls,  and   roofs,  to 


IN!)IAN    WARS. 


125 


prisoner 
\c  is  »t 
,olv(  d  to 

him  by 
son  into 
s  rccciv- 
3  treated 
ley  soon 
d  in  the 
10  other 
lo  return 

be  pun- 
»e  death, 

ested  af- 

so  whom 

s.     The 

'hol«  vil- 

no  nic- 

the  most 

they  had 

tribe,  IS 

neces- 

cruelty. 

ground, 

er ;    one 

It  five  or 

ictim  to 

egs  to  it 

d  to  the 

re,  they 

)ing  him 

nd  chil' 

in  what 

other  in 

the  by- 

ts,  he  is 

I  which 

,  and  in 

y  striic- 

oof?,  to 


prevent  his  spirit  from  remaining  there  to  take  vengeance 
for  the  evils  conmiittod  on  his  body.  I  he  remainder  of 
the  day,  and  night  following,  is  spent  in  rejoicing. 

This  is  the  most  usiiar  method  of  murdering  their  pris- 
oners. Hut  sometimes  they  fasten  fhem  to  a  single  stake, 
and  build  a  tire  around  them.  At  other  times,  they  cru- 
elly mangle  their  limbs,  cut  off  their  fingers  and  toes, 
joint  by  joint ;  and  sometimes  scald  them  to  death. 

What  is  most  extraordinary,  if  the  sufferer  be  an  fndian, 
there  seems,  during  the  whole  time  of  his  execiHion,  a 
contest  between  him  and  his  tormentors,  which  shall  out- 
do the  other,  they  inflicting  the  most  horrid  pains,  or  he 
in  enduring  them.  Not  a  groan  nor  a  sigh,  nor  a  distor- 
tion of  countenance,  escapes  him  in  the  midst  of  his  tor- 
ments. It  is  even  said,  that  he  recounts  his  own  exploits, 
informs  them  what  cruelties  he  has  inflicted  upon  their 
countrymen,  and  threatens  with  the  revenge  that  will  at- 
tend his  death.  That  he  even  reproaches  them  for  their 
ignorance  of  the  art  of  tormenting ;  points  out  methods  of 
more  exquisite  torture,  and  more  sens4>le  parts  of  the  body 
to  be  afflicted. 

The  scalps,  those  dreadful  proofs  of  the  barbarity  of 
these  Indians,  are  valued,  and  hung  up  in  their  houses  as 
the  trophies  of  their  bravery ;  and  they  have  certain  days 
when  the  yoiHjg  men  gain  a  new  name  or  title  of  honor, 
according  to  the  qualities  of  the  persons  to  whom  these 
scalps  belonged.  This  name  they  think  a  sufficient  re- 
ward for  the  dangers  and  fatigues  of  many  campaigns,  as 
it  renders  them  respected  by  their  countrymen,  and  terri- 
ble to  their  enemies.  .. 

In  the  American  revolution,  Britain  had  the  inhumanity 
to  reward  these  sons  of  barbarity  for  depredations  commit- 
ted upon  those  who  were  struggling  in  the  cause  of  liberty. 
The  widow's  wail,  the  virgin's  shriek,  and  infant's  trem- 
bling cry,  w6re  music  in  their  ears.  In  cold  blood  they 
sunk  their  cruel  tomahawks  into  the  defenceless  head  of 
a  Miss  M'Kray,  a  beautiful  girl,  who  was  that  very  day  to 
have  been  married.  The  particulars  of  the  inhuman  trans- 
action follow  :  Previous  to  the  war  between  America 
and  Great  Britnin,  a  British  officer,  by  the  name  of  Jones, 
an  accomplished  young  man,  resided  near  fort  Edward. 


IfO 


liNUlAN    WAltS. 


His  visits  thither  became  more  frequent,  when  he  found 
himself  irresistibly  drawn  by  charms  of  native  worth  and 
beauty.  Miss  M'Kray,  whfvsc  memory  is  dear  lo  luimani- 
ty  and  true  affection,  was  the  object  of  his  |)ere<;rinalions. 
Mr.  Jones  liid  not  taken  the  precaution  necessary  in  haz- 
ardous love,  but  had  manifested  to  the  lad},  by  his  c(m- 
stant  attention,  undissembied  and  ingenuous  demeanor, 
that  ardent  affection  which  a  susceptible  heart  compelled 
her  implicitly  to  return.  In  this  mutual  interchange  of 
passions,  they  suffered  themselves  to  be  transported  on 
the  ocean  of  imagination,  till  the  unwelcome  necessity  of 
a  separation  cut  off  every  springing  hope.  'I'he  war  be- 
tween Great  Britain  and  America  commenced.  A  r'-. • 
moval  from  this  happy  spot  was  in  consequence  sug<jesl<^<! 
to  Mr.  Jones,  as  indispensable.  Nothing  could  alleviate 
their  mutual  horror  but  duty  ;  nothing  could  allay  their 
reciprocal  grief,  so  as, to  render  a  separate  corporeal  exist- 
ence tolerable,  but  solemn  vows,  with  ideas  of  a  future 
meetitig.  Mr.  Jones  repaired  to  Canada,  where  all  inter- 
course with  the  Provincials  was  prohibited.  Despair, 
which  presented  itself  in  aggravated  colotu's  when  Gen. 
Burgoyne's  expedition  through  the  States  was  fixed,  suc- 
ceeded to  his  former  hopes.  'I'he  British  army  being  en- 
camped about  three  miles  from  the  fort,  a  descent  was 
daily  projected.  Here  Mr.  Jones  could  not  but  recognise 
the  spot  on  which  rested  all  his  joys.  He  figured  to  his 
jnind  the  dread  which  his  hostile  approach  must  raise  in 
the  breast  of  her  whom  of  all  others,  he  thought  it  his 
highest  interest  to  protect.  In  spite  of  arre  U  and  com- 
mands to  the  contrary,  he  found  means  secretly  to  convey 
a  letter,  entreating  her  not  to  leave  the  town  with  the 
family,  assuring  her  that  as  soon  as  the  fort  should  surren- 
der, he  would  convey  her  to  an  asylum  where  they  might 
peaceably  consummate  the  nuptial  ceremony.  Far  from 
discrediting  him  who  could  not  deceive  her,  she  heroically 
refused  to  follow  the  flying  villagers.  The  remonstrances 
of  a  father,  or  the  tearful  entreaties  of  a  mother  and  nu- 
merous friends,  could  not  avail !  It  was  enough  that  her 
lover  was  her  friend.  She  considered  herself  protected  by 
the  love  and  voluntary  assurances  of  her  youthful  hero. 
With  the  society  of  a  servant  maid  she  impatiently  waited 


INDIAN    WARS. 


127 


Q  found 
nil  and 
lumani- 
nations, 
in  haz- 
liis  con- 
ii(>unor, 
m  polled 
ni^o  of 
rtcd  on 
•ssity  of 
war  bc- 

A   T'f 

ilh'viaite 
ay  their 
ill  pxist- 
I  future 
ill  inter- 
Despair, 
en  Gen. 
ed,  suc- 
eing  en- 
ent  was 
jcognise 
d  to  his 
raise  in 
ht  it  his 
ad  corn- 
convey 
vith  the 
surren- 
y  might 
ar  from 
;roically 
strances 
and  nu- 
Lhat  her 
cted  by 
il  hero, 
waited 


the  desired  cnnvryance.  Mr.  Jones,  finding  the  difficulty 
into  whii  II  he  was  hroiigitt,  at  length,  for  want  of  better 
convoy,  hired  a  party  of  twelvt*  Indians  to  carry  a  letter 
to  Miss  M'Kray,  with  his  own- horse,  for  the  purpose  of 
carrying  her  to  the  place  ap|)oiiited.  'I  hey  set  off,  fired 
with  the  anticipation  of  their  pron)ised  .premium,  which 
was  to  consist  of  a  quantity  of  spirits,  on  condition  that 
they  brotight  her  off  in  safety,  which  to  an  Indian  was  the 
most  cogent  stimulus  the  young  lover  could  have  named. 
Having  airivrd  in  view  of  her  window,  they  sagaciously 
held  up  the  letter,  to  prevent  tin-  (ears  and  apprehensions 
which  a  savage  knows  he  must  excite  in  the  sight  of  ten- 
derness and  sensibility.  Her  faith  and  expectations  ena- 
bled her  to  divine  the  business  of  these  ferocious  missiona- 
ries, while  her  frightened  maid  uttered  nought  but  shrieks 
and  cries.  They  arrived,  and  by  their  signs,  convinced 
her  from  whom  they  had  their  instructions.  If  a  doubt 
could  remain,  it  was  removed  by  the  letter ;  it  was  from 
her  lover.  A  lock  of  his  hair,  which  it  contained,  pre- 
sented his  manly  figure  to  her  gloomy  fancy. 

Here,  reader,  guess  what  must  have  been  her  ecstacy. 
She  indeed  resolved  to  brave  even  the  most  horrid  aspect 
which  might  appear  between  her  and  him,  whom  she  con- 
sidered already  hers,  without  a  sigh.  She  did  not  for  a 
moment  hesitate  to  follow  the  wishes  of  her  lover ;  and 
took  her  journey  with  these  bloody  messenger^  expecting 
very  soon  to  be  shielded  in  the  arms  of  legitimate  afTec- 
tion.  A  short  distance  only  then  seemed  to  separate  two 
of'the  happiest  of  mortals.  Alas !  how  soon  are  the  most 
brilliant  pictures  of  felicity  defaced  by  the  burning  hand  of 
affliction  and  wo ! 

Having  risen  the  hill,  at  about  equal  distance  from  the 
camp  and  her  former  home,  a  'second  party  of  Indians, 
having  heard  of  the  captivating  offer  made  by  Mr.  Jones, 
determined  to  avail  themselves  of  the  opportunity.  The 
reward  was  the  great  obiect.  A  clashing  of  real  and  as- 
sumed rights  was  soon  followed  by  a  funous  and  bloody 
engagement,  in  which  Several  were  killed .  on  each  «ide. 
The  commander  of  the  first  party,  perceiving  that  nought 
but  the  lady's  death  could  appease  the  fury  of  either,  with 
a  tomahawk  deliberately  knocked  her  from  her  horse, 


128 


llfDlAIf    WARS. 


I'  ' 


' 


ml 


mangled  her  scalp  from  her  beautifiil  temples,  which  he 
exiiltingly  liore  as  a  trophy  of  /.ciil  to  the  expectant  and 
anxious  Iov(M'!  It  was  with  the  utmost  diniculty  that  Mr. 
Jones  could  he  kept  from  total  delirium.  His  horror  and 
indignation  could  not  he  appeased ;  his  remorse  for  having 
risked  his  most  valuable  treasure  in  the  hands  of  savages, 
drove  him  almost  to  madness.  When  the  particulars  of 
this  melancholy  event  reached  Gen.  Bur^oyne,  he  ordered 
the  survivors  of  both  these  parties  to  immediate  execution. 
Many  persons  suppose  that  the  idea  that  the  American 
Indians  are  descended  from  the  ancient  Jews,  is  a  novel 
one.  This  is  not  the  fact.  Many  writers  h.ive  suggested 
this  opinion.  Among  others,  James  Adair,'  Ksq.  who  had 
resided  among  the  North  American  Indians  forty  years, 
and  paid  particular  attention  to  their  language,  laws,  cus- 
toms, manners,  dress,  ceremonies,  &c.  and  whose  accojunt 
of  them  was  published  in  London  in  1775,  seems  to  have 
been  fully  convinced  of  the  fact  himself;  and  if  his  argu- 
ments do  not  convince  others,  they  will  at  least  stagger 
their  incredulity.  The  following  extract  from  thd  contents 
of  his  work  will  show  the  course  he  takes  to  establish  his 
opinion. 

♦'  Observations  and  arguments  in  pfoof  of  the  American 
Indians  being  docended  from  the  Jews. 

1.  Their  division  into  tribes. 

2.  Their  worship  of  Jehovah. 

3.  Their  notion  of  a  theocracy.' 

4.  Their  belief  in  the  ministration  of  angels. 
6.  Their  language  and  dialects. 

6.  Their  manner  of  counting  time. 

7.  Their  prophets  and  high  priests. 

8.  Their  festivals,  fasts,  and  religious  rites. 

9.  Their  daily  sacrifice. 

10.  Their  ablutions  and  annointings. 

11.  'f 'heir  laws  of  uncleanness. 

\2.  Their  abstinence  from  unclean  things. 

13.  Their  marriages,   divorces,   and    punishment   of 
adultery. 

14.  I  heir  several  punishments. 

15.  Their  cities  of  refuge. 


IMDiAff  WAM. 


129 


lieh  he 
tilt  and 
lat  Mr. 
or  and 
having 
avages, 
ulars  of 
ordered 
'cution. 
ilerican 
a  novel 
jgested 
/ho  had 
f  years, 

VS,  CU8- 

accopnt 
to  have 
is  argu- 
stagger 
contents 
ilish  his 


merican 


lent   of 


16.  Their  purifications  and  ceremonies  preparatory 
to  war. 

17.  Their  ornaments. 

18.  Their  manner  of  curing  the  sick. 

19.  Their  burial  of  the  dead. 

20.  Their  mourning  for  their  dead. 

21.  Their  raising  seed  to  a  departed  brother. 

22.  Their  choice  of  nnmo  adapted  to  their  circum- 
stances and  the  times. 

2S.  Their  own  traditions,  the  accounts  of  our  English 
writers,  and  the  testimonies  which  the  Spanish  and  other 
authors  have  given  concerning  the  primitive  inhabitantt 
of  Peru  and  Mexico." 

Under  each  of  these  heads  the  author  gives  us  such 
facts  as  a  forty  years  residence  among  them,  at  a  time 
when  their  manners,  customs,  &c.  had  not  been  greatly 
corrupted  or  changed  by  intercourse  with  Europeans, 
had  enabled  him  to  collect ;  and  he  assures  us  they  are 
*'  neither  disfigured  by  fable  nor  prejudice."  The  rest 
of  his  work  is  taken  up  with  acounts  of  the  different  na- 
tions among  whom  ho  had  been,  with  occasional  reflsc- 
tions  on  their  laws,  &.c. 

The  following  list  of  names  of  the  various  Indian  na- 
tions in  North  America,  in  1794,  with  the  number  of 
their  fighting  men,  was  obtained  by  a  gentleman,  Mr. 
Benjamin  Hawkins,  employed  in  a  treaty  then  made 
with  them. 

The  Choctaws  or  Flat  Heads,  4500  ;  Natches,  160 ; 
Chickasavvs,  750  ;  Chcrokees,  2600 ;  Catabas,  150 ; 
Piantas,  a  wandering  tribe,  800  ;  Kisquororas,  600 ; 
Haiikashaws,  250  ;  Oughtenons,  400  ;  Kikapous,  606; 
Dclawares,  300  ;  Shawnese,  300  ;  MiamieB,  800  ;  Up- 
per Creeks,  Middle  Creeks  and  Lower  Creeks,  4000 ; 
Cowitas,  7000  ;  Alabamas,  600  ;  Akinsaws,  200  ;  An- 
saus,  1000  ;  Padomas,  600  ;  white  and  freckled  Pianis, 
4000  ;  Cauzes,  1600  ;  Osages,  600  ;  Grand  Saux,  1000  ; 
Missouri,  3000  ;  Saux  of  the  wood,  1800  ;  Biances,  or 
white  Indians  with  beard,  1500  ;  Asinbols,  1500 ;  Chris- 
tian Cauzes,  3000  ;  Ouiscousas,  600 }  Mascotins^  600 ; 

17 


: 


ISO 


llfDIAN    WAnt. 


Lakes,  400  ;  Muhcrouakes,  230  ;  Folle  Avoines,  or 
Wildcats,  350  ;  Puans,  700  ;  Powatamig,  550  ;  Mi»- 
safifues,  wandering  tribe,  2000  ;  Otabas,  900  ;  Chiewas,' 
6000  ;  Wiandots,  300 ;  Six  Nations,  1500  ;  Round 
Heads,  3500  ;  Algoquius,  2000  ;  Nepisians,  400  ;  Chal- 
sas,  130  ;  Amitestes,  550  ;  Muckniacks,  700  ;  Abina* 
guis,  350  ;  Consway  Hurins,  200.     Total,  58,780. 


CHAP.    V. 


t^ 


WASHINGTON'S  EXPEDITION.  AND  DEFEAT  OP  GEN.  BRADDOCK 

BY  THE  INDIANS. 

In  1753  the  French  and  Indians  began  to  make  in- 
roads on  our  western  frontiers  along  the  Ohio.  Gov. 
Dinwiddie,  of  Virginia,  was  very  desirous  to  get  a  letirr 
of  remonstrance  to  their  commander  in.  chief.  He  had 
applied  to  several  young  gentlemen  of  his  acquaintance, 
but  they  were  all  so  deficient  in  courage  that  they  could 
not  be  prevailed  ort,  for  love  or  money,  to  venture  out 
among  the  savages.  Our  beloved  Washington  happen- 
ing to  hear  of  it,  in^stanly  waited  on  his  excellency,  and 
offered, his  services,  but  not  without  being  terribly  afraid 
lest  his  want  of  a  beard  should  go  against  him.  How- 
ever, the  governor  was  so  charmed  with  his  modesty  and 
manly  air,  that  he  never  asked  him  a  syllable  about  his 
age,  but  after  thanking  him  for  his  offer,  calling  him 
**  a  noble  youth,''  and  insisting-'on  his  taking  a  glass  of 
wine  with  him,  slipped  a  commission  into  his  hand.  The 
next  day  he  set  out  on  his  expedition,  which  was,  from 
start  to  pole,  disagreeable  and  dangerous.  Soaking 
rains,  chilling  blasts,  roaring  floods,  pathless  woods,  and 
mountains  clad  in  snows,  oppolsed  his  course,  but  opposed 
in  vain.  The  glorious  ambition  to  serve  his  country, 
rendered  him  superior  to  all  difficulties. 


i/ 


IIf»IAIf    WAHS. 


Ill 


Returning  homeward,  be  was  way-laid  and  ehofc  at  by 
a  French  Indian,  and  though  the  copper-coloured  ruffian 
was  not  tifteen  steps  distant  when  he  fired  at  him,  yet 
not  even  so  much  as  tlio  smell  of  lead  passed  on  the 
clothes  of  our  young  hero.  On  his  return  to  Virginia,  it 
was  found  that  he  liad  executed  his  negotiations,  both 
with  the  French  and  Indiana,  with  such  fidelity  and  judg- 
ment, that  he  received  the  heartiest  thanks  of  the  gov- 
ernor and  council,  for  the  very  important  servic;js  he  had 
doiie  his  country. 

He  was  now  (in  the  20th  year  of  his  age)  appointed 
major  and  adjutant  general  of  the  Virginia  forces.  Soon 
after  this,  the  Indians  continuing  their  encroachments, 
orders  were  given  by  the  English  government,  for  the 
colonies  to  arm  and  unite  in  one  confederacy,  Virginia 
took  the  lead,  and  raised  a  regiment  of  four  hundred 
men,  at  the  head  of  which  was  placed  Washington. 

With  this  handful  of  brave  fellows.  Col.  Washington, 
not  yet  twenty4hree  years  of  age,  boldly  pushed  out  into 
the  Indian  country,  and  there  for  a  considerable  time 
maintained  the  war  against  three  times  their  number  of 
French  and  Indians.  Atthe  Red  Stones  he  came  up 
with  a  strong  party  of  the  enemy,  whom  he  engaged  and 
effectually  defeated,  after  having  killed  and  taken  thirty- 
one  men.  From  his  prisoners  he  obtained  undoubted 
intelligence  that  the  French  forces  on  the  Ohio  consisted 
of  upwards  of  a  thousand  regulars  and  many  hundreds  of 
Indians.  But  notwithstanding  this  disheartening  advice, 
he  still  pressed  on  undauniodly  against  the  enemy,  and 
at  a  place  called  the  Little  Meadows,  built  a  fart  which 
he  called  Fort  Necessity.  Here  he  waited,  hourly  and 
anxiously  looking  for  succours  from  New- York  and 
Pennsylvania  ;  but  in  vain.  No  one  came  to  his  assist- 
ance. ISot  long  after  this,  his  small  force,  now  reduced 
to  three  hundred  men,  were  attacked  by  an  army  of  llOQ 
French  and  Indians.  Never  did  the  true  Virginian  valour 
shine  more  gloriously  than  on  this  trying  occasion. 

To  see  three  hundred  young  fellows,  commanded  by"^ 
smooth-faced  boy,  all  unaccustomed  to  the  terrors  of 
war,  far  from  home,  arid  from  all  hopes  of  help,  shut  up 
in  a  dreary  wilderjiels,  and  surrounded  by  four  tiipes  their 


h 


11 


139 


INDIAN    WARS. 


number  of  savage  foes ;  and  yet,  without  sign  of  fear, 
without  thought  of  surrender,  prcpar'ing  for  mortal  com- 
bat. Scarcely  since  the  days  of  Leonldas  and  his  three 
hundred  deathless  Spartans,  had  the  sun  beheld  its  equal. 
With  hideous  whoops  and  yells,  the  enemy  came  on  like 
*tt  host  of  tigers.  The  woods  and  rocks,  and  tall  tree 
tops  (as  the  Indians,  climbing  to  the  tops  of  thti  trees, 
poured  down  their  bullets  into  the  fort)  were  in  one  con- 
tinued blaze  and  crash  of  fire  arms.  Nor  were  our  young 
Wariiors  idle,  but  animated  ly  their  gallant  chief,  plied 
their  rifles  with  such  spirit  that  their  little  fort  resembled 
a  volcano  in  full  blast,  roaring  and  discharging  thick 
sheets  of  liquid  fire  among  their  foes.  For  three  hours, 
enveloped  in  smoke  and  flame,  they  sustained  the  attack 
of  the  enemy's  whole  force,  and  laid  two  hundred  of  them 
dead  on  the  spot.  Discouraged  by  such  desperate  resist- 
ance, the  French  general,  the  Count  de  Villiers,  sent  in 
a  flag  to  Washington,  extolling  his  gallantry  to  the  skies, 
and  offering  him  the  most  honorable  terms.  It  was  stipu- 
lated that  Col.  Washington  and  his  little  band  of  heroes 
should  march  away,  with  all  the  honors  of  war,  and  carry 
with  them  their  militarv  stores  and  baggage. 

In  the  spring  of  1755,  Washington,  while  busied  in 
the  highest  military  operations,  was  summoned  to  attend 
Gen.  Braddock,  who  in  the  month  of  February,  had  ar- 
rived at  Alexandria  with  2000  British  troops.  The  as- 
sembly of  Virginia  had  appoiuted  eight  hundred  provin- 
cials to  join  him.  The  object  of  this  army  was  to  mapch 
through  the  country,  by  the  way  of  Will's  Creek,  to  fort 
Duquesne(now  Pittsburgh,or  fort  Pitt.)  As  no  person  was 
so  well  acquainted  with  the  frontier  country  as  Wash- 
ington, and  none  stood  so  high  in  military  fame,  it  was 
thought  he  would  be  infinitely  serviceable  to  Gen.  Brad- 
dock.  At  the  request  of  the  governor  and  council,  he 
cheerfully  quitted  his  own  command,  to  act  ar»  volunteer 
aid-de-camp  to  tlfat  very  imprudent  and  unfortunate 
general.  The  army,  near  3000  strong,  marched  from 
Alexandria  and  proceeded  unmolested  within  a  few  miles 
of  fort  Pitt. 

On  the  morning  of  the  9th  of  July,  when  they  had  ar- 
rived within  seven  miles  of  Fort  Duqucsne,  the  provin- 


INblAN    WASS. 


133 


cial  scouts  discovered  a  large  party  of  French  and  In- 
dians lying  in  ambush.  Washington  with  his  usual  mod- 
esty observed  to  Gen.  Braddock,  what  sort  of  enemy  he 
had  now  to  deal  with.  An  enemy  who  v;ould  not,  like 
the  Europeans,  come  forward  to  a  fair  contest  in  the  field; 
but  concealed  behind  rocks  and  trees,  carry  on  a  deadly 
warfare  with  their  rifles.  He  concluded  with  begging 
that  Gen.  Braddock  would  grant  him  the  honour  to  let 
him  place  himself  at  the  head  of  the  Virginia  riflemen 
and  fight  them  in  their  own  way.  And  it  was  generally 
thought  that  our  young  hero  and  his  eight  hundred  hearts 
of  hickory,  would  very  easily  have  beaten  thei.i ;  for  they 
were  not  superior  to  the  force,  which  with  only  three 
hundred  he  had  handled  so  roughly  twelve  months  before. 
But  Gen.  Braddock,  who  had  all  along  treated  the  A- 
merican  ofiicers  and  soldiers  with  infinite  contempt,  in- 
stead of  following  this  truly  salutary  advice,  swelled  and 
reddened  with:  most  unmanly  rage,  *'  High  times,  by 
G — d  !"  he  exclaimed,  strutting  to  and  fro,  with  arms 
akimbo,  *'  High  times !  when  a  young  buckskin  can 
teach  a  British  general  how  to  fight!"  Washington 
withdrew,  biting  his  lips  with  grief  and  indignation,  to 
think  what  numbers  of  brave  fellows  would  draw  short 
breath  that  day,  through  the  pride  and  obstinacy  of  one 
epauletted  fool.  The  troops  were  ordered  to  form  and 
advance  in  columns  through  the  woods.  In  a  little  time 
the  ruin  which  Washington  had  predicted  ensued.  This 
poor  devoted  army,  pushed  on  by  their  madcap  general, 
fell  into  the  fatal  snare  which  was  laid  for  them.  All  at 
once  a  thousand  rifles  began  the  work  of  death.  The 
ground  Avas  instantly  covered  with  tire  dying  and  dead. 
The  British  troops,  thus  slaughtered  by  hundreds,  and 
l3y  an  enemy  whom  they  could  not  see,  were  thrown  ir- 
recoverably into  panic  and  confusion  ;  and  in  a  few  min- 
utes their  haughty  general,  with  twelve  hundred  of  his 
brave  but  unfortunate  countrymen,  were  killed. 

Poor  Gen.  Braddock  closed  the  tragedy  with  great 
decency.  He  was  mortally  wounded  in  the  beginning  of 
the  action,  and  Washington  had  him  placed  in  a  cart 
ready  for  retreat.  Close  on  the  left,  where  the  weight 
of  the  French  and  Indian  fire  principally  fell,  Washing- 


k\ 


154 


INDIAN    >TAnt. 


ton  at  the  head  of  his  Virginia  riflemen,  who  were- dress- 
ed in  blue,  sustained  the  shock.  At  every  discharge  of 
their  rii'ies  the  woundf'd  general  cried  out,  ''  O  my  brave 
"Virginia  blues  !  Would  to  God  I  could  live  to  reward 
you  lor  such  gallantry."  But  he  died.  Washington 
caused  him  to  be  buried  in  the  road,  and  to  save  him 
from  discovery  and  the  scalping  knife  ordered  the  wag- 
ons on  their  retreat  to  drive  over  his  grave. 

Amidst  all  this  fearful  consternation  and  carnage,  with 
all  the  uproar  and  horrors  of  a  rout,  rendered  still  more 
dreadful  by  the  groans  of  the  dying,  the  screams  of  the 
wounded,  the  piercing  shrieks  of  the  women,  and  the  yells 
of  the  furious  assaulting  ravages,  Washington,  calm  and 
self-collected,  rallied  his  faithful  riflemen,  led  them  on  to 
the  charge,  killed  numbers  of  the  enemy,  who  were  rush- 
ing with  tomahawks,  checked  their  pursuit,  and  brought 
off  the  shattered  remains  of  the  F^ritish  army. 

With  regarc  to  our  beloved  Washington,  we  cannot 
but  here  mention  two  extraordinary  speeches  that  were 
uttered  about  him  at  this  time,  and  which  as  things  have 
turned  out,  look  a  great  deal  like  prophecies.  A  I'amous 
Indian  warrior  who  assisted  in  the  defeat  of  Braddock, 
was  often  heard  to  swear,  that  Washington  was  not  born 
to  be  killed  by  a  bullet  ;  for,  he  continued,  I  had  seven- 
teen fair  flres  at  him  with  my  rifle,  and  after  all  I  could 
not  bring  him  to  the  ground.  #  And  indeed  whoever  con- 
siders that  a  good  rifle  levelled  by  a  sure  marksman, 
hardly  ever  misses  its  aim,  will  readily  enough  conclude 
with  this  unlettered  savage,  that  some  invisible  hand  must 
have  turned  aside  the  bullets. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Davis,  in  a  sermon  occasioned  by  Qen. 
IJraddock's  defeat,  has  these  remarkable  words.  "  1  beg 
leave  to  point  the  attention  of  the  public  to  that  heroic 
youth.  Col.  George  W^ashington,  whom  I  cannot  but 
hope  Providence  has  preserved  for  some  great  service  tP, 
|iis  coLjutry.'' 


I 


jj 


CHAP.    VI. 

AbVENTUliS  OF  CAPT.  DANIEL  BOON,  COMPRISING  AN  ACCOUNT 
OF  THE  WARS  WITH  THE  INDIANS  ON  THE  OHIO,  FROM  17«» 
TO  1782.— WRITTEN  BY  HIMSELF. 


It  was  on  the  first  of  May  1769,  that  I  resigned  my 
domestic  happiness,  and  left  my  family  and  peaceable 
habitation  on  the  Yadkin  river  in  North-Carolina,  to 
wander  through  the  wilderness  of  America,  in  quest  of 
the  country  of  Kentuck},  in  company  with  John  Finley, 
John  Stuart,  Joseph  Holden,  James  Monay,  and  "Wil- 
liam Cool. 

On  the  7(h  June,  after  travelling  in  a  western  direc* 
tion,  we  found  ourselves  on  Red  River,  where  John  Fin- 
ley  had  formerly  been  trading  with  the  I  >dians,  and 
from  the  top  of  an  eminence  saw  with  pleasu  t  the  beau* 
tiful  level  of  Kentucky.  l%r  some  time  we  Ind  experi- 
enced the  most  uncomfortable  weather.  We  now  en- 
camped, made  a  shelter  to  defend  us  from  the  inclement 
season,  and  began  to  hunt  ahd  reconnoitre  the  tountry. 
We  found  abundance  of  wild  beasts  in  this  vast  forest. 
The  buffal''  were  more  numerous  than  cattle  on  their 
settlements,  browsing  on  the  leaves  of  the  cane,  or  crop^ 
ping  the  herbage  on  these  extensive  plains.  We  saw 
hundreds  in  a  drove,  and  the  numbers  around  the  salt 
springs  were  amazing.  In  this  forest,  the  habitation  of 
beasts  of  every  American  kind,  we  hunted  with  great 
success  until  December. 

On  the  22(\  December,  John  Stuart  and  I  had  a  plea- 
sing ramble  ;  but  fortune!  changed  the  day  at  the  close  of 
it.  We  passed  through  a  great  forest,  in  which  stood 
myriads  of  trees,  some  gay  with  blossoms,   others  rich 


136 


INDIAN    WARS. 


with  fruits.     Nature  was  here  a  series  of  wonders,  and 
a  fund  of  delight.     Heresho  displayed   her   ingenuity 


and 


of  flo^ 


ind  fruits,  beautiful- 


industry 

ly  coloured,  elegantly  shaped,  and  charmingly  flavoured  ; 
and  we  were  favoured  with  numberless  animals  present- 
ing themselves  perpetually  to  our  view.  In  the  decline 
of  the  day,  near  Kentucky  river,  as  we  ascended  the  brow 
of  a  small  hill,  a  numl»er  of  Indians  rished  out  of  a  cane 
brake  and  made  us  prisoners.  The  Indians  plundered 
us  and  kept  us  in  confinement  seven  days.  During  this 
time  we  discovered  no  uneasiness  or  desire  to  escape, 
which  made  them  less  suspicious ;  but  in  the  dead  of 
night,  as  we  lay  by  a  large  fire  in  a  thick  cane  brake, 
when  sleep  had  locked  up  their  senses,  my  situation  not 
disposing  me  to  rest,  1  gently  awoke  my  companion. 
We  seized  this  favourable  opportunity  and  departed  ;  di- 
recting our  course  toward  the  old  camp,  but  we  found  it 
plundered  and  our  company  destroyed  or  dispersed. 

About  this  time  as  my  brother  with  another  adventur- 
er, who  came  to  explore  the  country  shortly  after  us, 
were  wandering  through  the  forest,  they  accidentally 
found  our  camp  Notwithstanding  our  unfortunate  cir- 
cumstances, and  our  dangerous  situation,  rurrounded  by 
hostile  savages,  our  meeting  fortunately  in  the  wilderness 
gave  Qs  the  most  sensible  satisfaction. 

Soon  after  this  my  compaftion  in  captivity,  John  Stu- 
art, was  killed  by  the  savages,  and  the  man  who  came 
with  my  brother,  while  on  a  private  (excursion,  was  soon 
after  attacked  and  killed  by  the  wolves.  We  were  now 
in  a  dangerous  and  helpless  situation,  exposed  daily  to 
perils  and  death,  among  savages  and  wild  beasts,  not  a 
white  man  in  the  country  but  ourselves. 

Although  many  hundred  miles  from  our  families,  in  the 
howling  wilderness,  we  did  not  continue  in  a  state  of  in- 
dolence, but  hunted  every  day,  and  prepared  a  little  cot- 
tage to  defend  us  from  the  winter. 

On  the  1st  of  May  1770,  my  brother  returned  home 
for  a  new  recruit  of  horses  and  amunition  ;  leaving  me 
alone,  without  bread,  salt  or  sugar,  or  even  a  horse  or  a 
dog.  I  passed  a  few  days  uncomfortably.  The  idea  of 
a  beloved  wife  and  family,  and  their  anxiety  on  my  ac- 


I 


v» 


IMVIAIf    WABt. 


187 


rs,  and 
^enuity 
Eiutiful- 
oured  ; 
resent- 
decline 
le  brow 
'  a  cane 
mdered 
ing  this 
escape, 
dead  of 
brake, 
tion  not 
panion. 
ted  ;  di- 
fuund  it 
ed. 

iventur- 
jter  us, 
lentally 
ate  cir- 
ided  by 
derness 

an  Stu- 
0  came 
ras  soon 
2re  now 
Jaily  to 
5  not   a 

3,  in  the 
te  of  in- 
ttle  cot- 

l  home 
ing  me 
rse  or  a 
idea  of 
my  ac- 


count, would  have  disposed  me  to  melancholy  if  I  hid 
farther  indulged  the  thought. 

Qnc  day  I  undertook  a  tour  through  the  country, 
when  the  diversity  and  beauties  of  nature  I  met  with  m 
this  charming  season,  expelled  every  gloomy  thought. 
Just  at  the  close  of  the  day  the  gentle  gales  ceased  ;  a 
profound  calm  ensued  ;  not  a  breath  shook  the  iremuloui 
leaf.  1  hiid  gained  the  summit  of  a  commanding  ridge, 
and  looking  around  with  astonishing  delight,  beheld  the 
ample  plains  and  beau^  ous  traels  below.  On  one  hand 
I  surveyed  the  famous  Ohio  rolling  in  silent  dignity,  and 
marking  the  western  boundary  of  Kentucky  with  incon- 
ceivable grandeur.  At  a  vast  distance  1  beheld  the 
mountains  lift  their  venerable  brows  and  penetrate  the 
clouds.  All  things  were  still.  I  kindled  a  fire  near  a 
fountain  of  sweet  water,  and  feasted  on  the  line  of  a 
buck  which  I  had  killed  a  few  hours  before.  The  shades 
of  night  soon  overspread  the  hemisphere,  and  the  earth 
seemc/d  to  gasp  after  the  hovering  moisture.  At  a  dis- 
tance I  frequently  heard  the  hideous  yells  of  eavages. 
My  excursion  had  fatigued  my  body  and  amused  my 
mind-  I  laid  me  down  to  sleep,  and  awoke  not  until  the 
iun  had  chased  away  the  night.  I  continued  this  toar, 
and  in  a  few  days  explored  a  considerable  part  of  the 
country,  each  diiy  equally  pleasing  as  the  first  After 
which  1  returned  to  my  old  camp,  which  had  not  been 
disturbed  in  my  absence.  I  did  not  confine  my  lodging 
to  it,  but  often  reposed  in  thick  cane  breaks  to  avoid  the 
savages,  who  1  believe  frequently  visited  my  camp,  but 
fortunately  for  me  in  my  absence.  No  populous  city, ' 
with  all  its  varieties  of  commerce  and  stately  structureqt, 
could  afford  such  pleasure  to  my  mind,  as  tb«  l^aMtiei 
of  nature  which  I  found  in  this  country. 

Until  the  37th  of  July,  I  spent  my  time  in  an  uninter- 
rupted scene  of  sylvan  pleasures,  when  my  brother,  to 
my  great  felicity,  met  me,  according  to  appointment,  at 
our  old  camp.  Soon  after  we  left  the  place  and  pro^ 
ceeded  to  Cumberland  River,  reconnoitring  that  part  of 
the  country,  and  giving  names  to  the  different  riYe(|l« 

In  March,  1771,  I  returned  home  to  my  ff^pfiily,  ba? 
ing  determined  to  bring  them  as  soon  as  poiuil^b^i  a^  th^ 

18  ^ 


I3S^ 


rNftiAir  wjRt» 


risk  of  mjF  life  and  fortune,  to  reside  td  Kentucliy,  which 
I  eiteeincd  a  second  paradise. 

On  mjr  return  I  found  my  family  in  happy  circuiw- 
stances,  I  sold  my  i^arin  on  the  Yadkin,  and  what  goods 
we  eoold  not  carry  with  ui;,  and  on  the  25th  of  Septem- 
ber, I77S,  we  took  leave  of  our  friends  and  proceeded 
on  our  journey  to  Kentucky,  in  company  with  five  more 
families,  and  forty  men  that  joined  us  in  Powers  Valley^ 
which  is  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  from  the  new  set- 
tled parts  of  Kentneky.  But  this  promising  beginning 
wa9  soon  overcast  with  a  cloud  of  adversity. 

On  the  10th  of  October  the  fear  of  our  con>pany  was 
attacked  by  a  party  of  Indians ;  who  killed  six,  and 
wounded  one  man.  Of  these  my  oldest  son  was  one 
that  fuH  in  the  action.  'I'hough  we  repulsed  the  enemy> 
yet  this  unhappy  afiuir  scattered  our  eatlte  and  brought 
ut'into  extreme  difiicuyty.  We  returned  forty  mi  Fes  to 
the  settlement  on  t'Jlench  River.  We  had  passed  over 
two  mountains,  Powul's  and  Walden's  and  were  ap- 
proaehiRg  Cumberland  Mountain,  when  this  adverse  for* 
tu'ne  overtook  us.  These  mountains  are  in  the  wildtr<> 
ness,  in  passrn^  from  the  old  settlement  fn  Virginia  to 
Kentucky ;  are  ranged  in  a  south-west  and  north-east 
direction  ;  are  of  great  length  and  breadth,  and  not  far 
distant  from  each  other.  Over  them  nature  hath  formed 
passes  less  difficult  than  might  be  expected  from  the  view 
of  such  huge  piles.  The  aspect  of  these  clififs  are  so- 
wild  and  horrid,  that  it  is  impossible  to  behold  them 
without  horrorv 

Until  the  6th  of  June,  177^,  1  remained  with  my 
family  on  the  Clench,  when  myself  and  another  person 
were  solicited  by  Gov.  iJunmore,  of  Virginia,  to  conduct 
a  number  of  surveyors  to  the  falls  of  Ohio.  This  was  b 
tour  of  eight  hundred  miles,  and  took  sixty-two  days 

On  my  return,  Gov.  Dunmore  gave  me  the  command 
of  three  garrisons  during  the  campaign  against  the 
Shawanese.  In  March,  1775,  at  the  solicitation  of  a 
number  of  gentlemen  of  North  Carolina,  1  attended 
th(  ir  treaty  at  Wataga  with  the  Cherokee  Indians,  to 
purchase  the  lands  on  the  south  side  of  Kentucky  River. 
^f{l»i*^thi4,  I  undertook  to  mark  out  a  road  in  the  be«t 


INBlAlf    WARS. 


1S9 


pnssai^e  from  the  seUlemenU  through  the  wilderness  to 
Kcatiickjr. 

Hiivin;;  collected  a  number  of  enterprising  men  well 
firmed,  1  soon  ben;an  this  work.  We  proce«de«l  until 
Tve  came  within  fifteen  miles  of  where  Boonsburough 
novr  stand?,  where  the  Indians  attacked  us,  and  killed 
two  and  wounded  two  more  of  our  party.  This  was  on 
the  22d  of  iN^arch,  1775.  Two  days  after  we  were 
again  attacked  by  them,  when  we  had  two  more  killed 
and  three  w(»'<ndcd.  After  this  w«  proceeded  on  to 
Kentucky  Ui    .r  without  opposition. 

On  the  lit  of  April  we  began  to  erect  the  fort  of 
Boonsborough,  at  a  salt  lick  sixty  yards  from  the  river, 
on  the  roulh  side.  On  the  4th  the  Indians  killed  one  of 
our  men.  On  the  14th  of  June,  having  completed  the 
fort,  1  returned  to  my  family  on  the  Clench,  and  whom 
1  soon  after  removed  to  the  fort.  My  wife  and  daughter 
were  supposed  to  be  the  first  white  women  that  ever 
stood  on  the  banks  of  Kentucky  River. 

On  tht:  S4th  of  Peceniber,  the  Indians  killed  on«  of 
our  men  and  wounded  another  ;  and  on  the  15th  of  July, 
1T76,  they  took  my  daughter  prisoner,  1  immediately 
pursued  them  with  eight  men,  and  on  the  16th  overtook 
and  engaged  them^  )  killed  two  of  them,  and  recovered 
my  daughter. 

The  Indians,  having  divided  themselves  into  several 
pnrti«4,  attacked  in  one  day  all  our  infant  settlements 
«nd  forts,  doing  a  great  deal  of  damage.  The  husband* 
men  were  ambushed  and  unexpectedly  attacked  whils 
toiling  in  the  fi'  Id.  They  continued  this  kind  of  warfare 
until  the  15th  of  April,  1777,  when  nearly  one  hundred 
of  them  attacked  the  village  of  Boonsborough,  and  killed 
n  number  of  its  inhabitants.  On  the  16th  Gol.  Logan's 
fort  was  attacked  by  two  hundred  Indians.  There  were 
only  thirteen  men  in  th«  fore,  of  whom  the  enemy  killed 
two  and  wounded  one. 

On  the  20th  of  August  Col.  Bowman  arrived  with 
one  hundred  men  from  Virginia,  with  which  additiomil 
force  we  had  almost  daily  skirmishes  with  the  Indiana, 
who  began  now  to  learn  the  superiority  of  the  **  long 
knife."     They  termed  oe  the  Virgimians :   being  cmt- 


140 


INftlAN    WA«JI. 


generated  In  almost  every  action.  Our  afTuirs  began  now 
to  wear  a  better  aspect,  the  Indians  no  longer  darin;:;  to 
face  us  in  open  field,  but  sought  privnte  opportunities  to 
destroy  us. 

On  the  7th  of  February,  1778,  while  on  a  hunting 
excursion  alone,  1  met  a  pnrty*of  one  hundred  and  two 
Indians  and  two  Frenchmen,  marching  to  uttnck  Boon^- 
borough.  They  pursued  and  took  me  prisoner,  and  con- 
Teyed  mo  to  Old  Chilicothc,  the  principal  Indian  town 
on  little  Miami,  where  we  arrived  on  the  ISlh  of  Feb- 
ruary, after  an  uncomfortable  journey.  On  the  lOlh  of 
March  I  was  conducted  to  Detroit,  and  while  thcie,  was 
treated  with  great  humanity  by  Gov.  Hunjilton,  the 
British  commander,  at  that  port,  and  intcndant  for  Indian 
affairs. 

The  Indians  had  such  an  affection  for  me  that  they 
refused  100/.  sterling,  offered  them  by  the  gotenior,  if 
they  would  consent  to  leave  me  with  him,  that  he  might 
be  enabled  to  liberate  me  on  my  parole.  Several  Eng* 
liih  gentlemen  then  at  Detroit,  sensible  of  my  adverse 
fortune^  and  touched  with  sympathy,  generously  offered 
to  sppply  my  wants,  whicli  1  declined  with  many  thanks, 
adding  that  I  never,  expected  it  would  be  in  my  power  to 
recompense  such  unmerited  generosity. 

On  the,  10th  of  April  the  Indians  returned  with  me  to 
Old  Chilicothe,  where  we  arrived  on  the  25th.  This  was 
a  long  and  fatiguing  march,  although  through  an  exceed- 
ing fertile  country,  remarkable  for  springs  and  streams 
of  water.  At  Chilicothe  I  spent  my  time  as  comfortable 
as  I  could  expect ;  was  adopted,  according  to  their  custom* 
into  a  family  where  I  became  a  son,  and  had  a  great  share 
in  the  affection  of  my  neW  parents,  brothers,  sisters  and 
friends.  I  was  exceedingly  familiar  and  friendly  with 
them,  always  appearing  as  cheerful  and  contented  as  pos- 
sible, and  they  put  great  confiden<;e  in  me.  I  often  went 
a  hunting  with  them,  and  frrqucntly  gained  their  applause 
for  my  activity  at  our  shooting  matches.  1  was  careful 
not  to  exceed  many  of  them  in  shooting,  for  no  people  are 
more  envious  than  they  in  this  sport.  I  could  observe  in 
their  comitenances  and  gestures  the  greatest  expressions 
^'f  j^y  t»hf>n  th^y  «»xcrrdpd  m**,  and  wh»n  the  reverse  hap- 


INDIAN    WAnf. 


Ul 


pened,  of  envy.  The  Shawanese  king  took  great  notice 
of  me,  and  treated  me  wiih  profound  respect  wu\  entire 
friendship,  often  entrusting  me  to  hunt  at  my  liberty. 
I  frequently  returned  with  the  spoils  of  the  woods,  and  as 
often  presented  some  of  what  I  had  taken  to  him,  expres- 
sive of  duty  to  my  sovereign.  My  food  and  lodging  was 
in  common  with  them,  not  so  good  indeed  as  I  could  d«- 
sire,  but  necessity  made  every  thing  acceptable. 

I  now  began  to  meditate  an  escape,  and  carefully  avoid* 
ed  giving  suspicion.  1  continued  at  Chiiicothe  until  tho 
first  day  of  June,  when  I  was  taken  to  the  salt  springs  on 
Sciota,  and  there  employed  ten  days  in  the  manufactur- 
ing of  salt.  During  this  time  I  hunted  with  my  Indian 
masters,  and  found  the  land,  for  a  great  extent  about  this 
river,  to  exceed  the  soil  of  Kentucky. 

On  my  return  to  Chiiicothe,  one  hundred  and  fifty  of 
the  choicest  Indian  warriors  were  ready  to  march  against 
Boonsboroti^h.  Thpy  were  painted  and  armed  in  a 
frightful  manner.  This  alarmed  me,  and  I  determined 
to  escape. 

On  the  18th  of  June,  before  sun-rise,  I  went  off  se-^ 
cretly,  and  reached  Boonsborough  on  the  20th,  a  journey 
of  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles,  during  which  I  had  only 
one  meal.  I  found  our  fortress  in  a  bad  state,  but  wo 
immediately  repaired  our  flanks,  gates  and  posterns,  and 
forn»ed  double  bastions,  which  we  completed  in  ten  days. 
One  of  my  fellow  prisoners  escaped  after  me,  and  brought 
advice  that  on  account  of  my  (light  the  Indiana  had  put 
off  their  expedition  for  three  weeks. 

About  the  1st  of  August  1  set  out  with  nineteen  men 
to  surprise  Point-Creek-Town,  on  Scotha,  within  four 
miles  ofwhich  we  fell  in  with  forty  Indians  going  against 
Boonsborough.  We  attacked  them,  and  they  soon  gave 
way  without  .any  loss  on  our  part.  The  enemy  had  one 
killed  and  two  wounded.  We  took  three  horses  and  all 
their  baggage.  The  Indians  havinj;;  evacuated  their  town, 
and  gone  altogether  against  Boonsborough,  we  returned, 
passed  them  on  the  Cth,  and  on  tho  7th  arrived  safe  at 
Boonsborough. 

On  the  9th  the  Indian  army,  consisting  of  four  hundred 
and  forty-four  men,  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Dti* 


1 1 


lis 


IRBiAR    WAMf. 


quesne,  and  clevnii  other  Fronchmeii  nnd  their  mvn  chiefs, 
arrived  aiid  summoned  the  fort  to  hiirrender.  1  requested 
tvro  days  consideriition,  which  was  granted.  During  this 
wc  brought  in  through  the  posterns  all  the  horses  and  other 
cattle  we  could  collect. 

On  the  ninth,  in  the  evening,  I  informed  their  com- 
mander that  we  u<^e  deterniiqed  to  defend  the  fort  while 
a  man  was  living.  '!  hey  then  proposed  a  treaty,  they 
would  withdniw.  The  treaty  \\m  held  within  sixty  yards 
of  the  fort,  as  we  suspected  the  savages.  The  articles 
were  agreed  to  and  signed ;  when  the  Indians  told  us  it 
was  their  custom  for  two  Indians  to  shake  hands  with 
every  white  man  in  the  treaty,  as  an  evidence  of  friend- 
ship. We  agreed  to  this  also.  They  immediately  grap- 
pled us  to  take  us  prisoners,  but  we  cleared  ourselves  of 
them,  though  surrounded  by  hundreds,  and  gained  the  fort 
safe,  except  one  man  who  was  wounded  by  a  heavy  fire 
from  the  enemy. 

The  savages  now  began  to  undermine  the  fort,  liegin- 
ninv  at  the  water  mark  of  Kentucky  river,  which  is  sixty 
yards  from  the  fort;  this  we  discovered  by  the  water  be- 
iog  muddy  by  the  clay.  We  countermined  them  by  cut- 
ting a  trench  across  their  subterraneous  passage.  The 
enemy  discovering  this  by  the  clay  we  threw  out  of  the 
fort,  desisliMl.  On  the  !^Oth  o(  August,  they  raised  the 
siege,  during  which  we  had  two  men  killed  and  four 
wounded.  We  lost  a  number  of  cattle.  The  loss  of  the 
enemy  was  thirty-seven  killed,  and  a  much  larger  number 
wounded.  We  picked  up  one  hundred  and  twenty  five 
pounds  of  their  bullets,  besides  what  stuck  in  the  logs  of 
the  fort. 

In  July,  1770,  during  my  absence.  Col.  Bowman,  with 
one  hundred  and  sixty  men,  went  a<;ainst  the  Shawanese 
of  Old  Chilicothe.  He  arrived  undiscu  ered.  A  battle 
ensued  which  lasted  until  ten  in  the  morning,  when  Col. 
Bowman  retreated  thirty  miles.  The  Indians  collected 
all  their  strength  and  pursued  him,  when  another  engage- 
ment ensued  for  two  hours,  not  to  Col.  Bowman^s  advan- 
tage. Col.  Harrod  proposed  to  mount  a  number  of  horses, 
and  brake  the  enemy's  line,  who  at  this  lime  fought  with 
remarkable  fury,      I  his  desperate  measure  had  ^  happy 


IVBIAI    WAIfi 


I4fi 


chiefsi 
jiiestiMl 
iig  this 
d  other 

r  com- 
t  while 
y,  they 
y  yards 
tirticles 
id  us  it 
is  with 
friend- 
y  grap. 
elves  of 
the  fort 
»vy  fire 

,  iKJgin- 
is  sixty 
Iter  he- 
by  cut- 
.     The 

of  the 
sed  the 
id  four 
;  of  the 
number 
nty  five 

logs  of 

n,  with 

WHUOSC 

battle 
en  Col. 
slleited 
BngHge- 
advan- 
horsos, 
ht  with 

happy 


efTect,  and  th«  aafages  fled  on  all  sides.  In  these  tiro 
engagements  we  had  nine  men  killed  and  one  wounded. 
Knemy\  loss  uncertain.     Only  two  scalna  were  taken. 

June  2dd,  1780,  five  hundred  Indians  aiid  Canadians, 
under  Col.  Bird,  attacked  liiddle  and  Martin's  station, 
on  the  forks  of  Licking  lliver,  wiih  six  pieces  of  artillery. 
They  took  all  the  inhabitants  captives,  and  killed  one  man 
and  two  women,  loading  the  otherti  with  the  heavy  bav- 
g;ige,  and  such  as  failed  in  the  journey  were  tomahawked. 

riuv  hostile  disposition  of  the  savages  caused  Gen. 
Clark,  th«  commandant  at  the  falls  of  Ohio,  to  march  with 
his  regiment  and  the  armed  force  of  the  country  against 
Peccaway,  the  principal  town  of  the  Shawanese,  on  a 
branch  of  the  great  Miami,  which  he  attacked  with  great 
success,  took  seventy  scalps,  and  reduced  the  town  to 
ashes,  with  the  loss  of  seventeen  men. 

At>out  this  time  I  returned  to  Kentucky  with  my  family ; 
for  during  my  captivity,  my  wife  thinking  me  killed  by 
the  Indians,  had  transported  my  family  and  goods  on 
horses  trough  the  wilderness,  amidst  many  dangers,  to  her 
father's  house  in  North  Carolina. 

On  the  6th  of  Oc*'>^or,  1 780,  soon  after  my  settling 
again  at  Boonsliorougti,  I  went  with  my  brother  to  the 
Diue  Licks,  and  on  our  return  he  was  shot  by  a  party  of 
Intians,  who  f:>l1owed  me  by  the  scent  of  a  dog,  which  I 
shot  and  escaped.  The  severity  of  the  winter  caused 
great  distress  in  Kentucky,  the  enemy  during  the  summer 
having  destroyed  most  of  the  corn.  The  inhabitants  lived 
chiefly  on  bulTalo's  flesh. 

In  the  spring  of  1782,  the  Indians  harraF^(»d  us.  In 
May  they  ravished,  killed  and  scalped  a  woman  and  her 
two  daughters  near  Ashton's  station,  and  took  a  negro 
prisoner.  Capt.  Ashton  pursued  them  with  twenty-fivQ 
men,  and  in  an  engagement  which  lasted  two  hours,  his 
party  were  obliged  to  retreat,  having  eight  killed,  and  four 
mortally  wounded.  Their  brave  commander  fell  in  the 
action. 

August  1 8th,  two  boys  were  carried  off  from  Major 
Hoy's  station.  Capt.  Uolden  pursued  the  enemy  with 
seventeen  men,  who  were  also  defeated,  with  the  loss  of 
seven  killed  and  two  wounded.     Our  affiiirs  l)«caae  more 


W4-  - 


f 


■  f 


144 


IM]»UM    WAM> 


aad  more  alarming.  Th«  savages  infested  the  country 
and  destroyed  the  whites  as  opportunity  presented.  In  a 
field  near  Lexington  an  Indian  shot  a  man,  and  running 
to  scalp  him,  was  himself  shot  from  the  fort,  and  fell  ^ead 
upon  the  ground.  All  the  Indian  nations  were  now  united 
against  us. 

August  15th,  five  hundred  Indians  and  Canadians  came 
a^ainnt  Briat's  station,  five  miles  from  Lexington.  They 
assaulted  the  fort  and  all  the  cattle  round  it ;  but  being^ 
repulsed,  they  retired  the  third  day,  .having  about  eighty 
killed  ;  their  wounded  uncertain.  The  garrison  had  four 
Killed  and  nine  wounded. 

August  18th,  Colonels  Todd  and  Trigg,  Maj.  Harland 
and  myself,  speedily  collected  one  hundred  and  seventy* 
six  men,  well  armed,  and  pursued  the  savages.  They 
had  marched  beyond  the  blue  Licks,  to  a  remarkable 
bend  of  the  main  fork  of  Licking  River,  about  forty^hree 
miles  from  Lexington,  where  we  overtook  them  on  the 
19th.  'I  he  savages  observing  us,  gave  way,  and  we,  be- 
ing ignorant  of  their  numbers,  passed  the  river.  When 
they  saw  our  proceedings,  having  greatly  the  advantage  Iq 
situation,  they  formed  their  line  of  battle  from  one  end  of 
the  Licking  to  the  other,  about  a  mile  from  the  Blue 
Licks.  The  engagement  was  close  and  warm  for  about 
jfiftoen  minutes,  when  we  being  overpowered  by  numbers, 
were  oblfged  to  retreat,  with  the  loss  of  sixty-seven  men, 
seven  of  whom  were  taken  prisoners.  The  l>rave  and 
much  lamented  Colonels  Todd  and  Trigg,  Maj.  Harland, 
and  my  second  son  were  among  the  dead.  We  were  af- 
terwards informed  th:it  the  Indians  on  numbering  their 
dead,  tindmg  that  they  had  four  more  killed  than  we,  four 
of  our  people  they  had  taken  were  given  up  to  their  youag 
warriors,  to  be  put  to  death  after  their  barbarous  manner. 

On  our  retreat  we  were  met  by  Col.  Logan,  who  was 
hastening  to  join  us  with  a  number  of  well  armed  men. 
This  powerful  assistance  we  wanted  on  the  day  of  battle. 
The  enemy  said  one  more  fire  from  us  would  have  made 
them  give  way. 

I  cannot  reflect  upon  this  dreadful  scene,  without  great 
sorrow.  A  zeal  for  the  defence  of  their  country  led  Uiese 
heroes  to  the  scene  of  action,  though  frith  a  (ew  men,  to 


'  ,-'i''' 


INDIAN  WARI. 


145 


untry 
In  a 
nning 
i  dead 
iinitc4 

;  came 

They 

being^ 
eighty 
id  four 

[arland 

jventy- 
'Ihcy 

arkable 

y.three 

on  the 

we,  be- 
When 

itage  in 
end  of 
tie  Blue 

about 
umbers, 
en  men, 
ave  and 

arland, 
were  af- 
ng  their 
we,  four 
r  young 
manner, 
vho  wat 
ed  men, 
if  battle, 
^e  made 

>ut  great 

ed  tnese 

men,  to 


attack,  a  powerful  army  of  experienced  warriorju  When 
we  gave  way,  they  pursued  us  with  the  utmost  eager- 
ness, and  in  every  quarter  spread  destruction.  The 
river  was  difficult  to  cross,  and  many  were  killed  in  the 
fight,  some  just  entering  the  river,  some  in  the  water, 
and  others  after  crossing,  in  ascending  the  cliffs.  Some 
escaped  on  horseback,  a  few  on  fo«t ;  and  being  dis- 
persed every  vvhere^  in  a  few  hours,  brought  the  melan- 
choly news  of  this  unfortunate  battle  to  Lexington. 
Many  widows  were  now  made.  The  reader  may  guess 
what  sorrow  filled  tlie  hearts  of  the  inhabitants,  exceed- 
ing any  thing  that  I  am  able  to  describe.  Being  rein- 
forced, we  returned  to  bury  the  dead,  and  found  their 
bodies  strewed  every  where,  cut  and  mangled  in  a  dread- 
ful manner.  'sThis  mournful  scene  exhibited  a  horror 
almost  unparalleled  :  some  torn  and  eaten  by  wild  beasts  ; 
those  in  the  river  eaten  by  fishes  ;  all  in  such  a  putrid 
condition  that  no  one  could  be  distinguished  irom  an- 
other. 

When  Gen.  Clark,  at  the  falls  of  the  Ohio,  heard  of 
our  disaster,  he  ordered  an  expedition  to  pursue  the  sav- 
ages. We  overtook  thom  within  two  miles  of- their  town^ 
and  we  should  have  obtained  a  great  victory  had  not 
some  of  them  met  us  when  about  two  hundred  poles  from 
their  camp.  The  savages  fled  in  the  utmost  disorder, 
and  evacuated  all  ^their  towns.  We  burned  to  ashes] 
Old  Chilieothe,  Peccaway,  New  Chilicothe,  and  Wills 
Town  ;  entirely  destroyed  their  corn  and  other  fruits, 
and  spread  desolation  through  their  country.  We  took 
seven  prisoners  and  fifteen  scalps,  and  lost  only  four 
men,  two  of  whom  were  accidentally  killed  by  ourselves. 
This  campaign  damped  the  enemy,  yet  they  made  secret 
incursions. 

In  October  a  party  attacked  Crab  Orchard,  and  one 
of  them  being  a  good  way  before  the  others,  boldly  en- 
tered a  house  in  which  were  only  a  woman  and  her  chil- 
dren, and  a  negro  man.  The  savage  used  no  violence, 
but  attempted  to  carry  off  the  negro,  who  happily  proved 
too  strong  for  him,  and  threw  him  on  the  ground,  and 
in  the  struggle  the  woman*cut  off  his  head  with  ai  axe, 
whilst  her  little  daughter  shut  the  door.     The 

10  ^ 


.«  .:;k 


"%' 


I4G 


ij«:firAiv.  nARt. 


instantly  c«me  up  and  applied  their  tomahawks  to  the 
door,  when  the  mother  putting  an  old  rusty  gun  barrel 
through  the  crevices,  the  savages  immediately  went  oflf. 

From  that  time  till  the  happy  return  of  peace  between 
the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  the  Indians  did  u& 
no  mischief.     Soon  after  this  the  Indians  desired  peace. 

Two  darling  sons  and  a  brother  I  have  lost  by  savage 
hands,  which  have  also  taken  from  me.  forty  valuable 
horses  and  abundance  of  cattle.  A'Jany  dark  and  sleep- 
less nights  have  I  spent,  separated  from  the  cheerful  son 
ciety  of  men,  scorched  by  the  summer's  sun,  and  pinched 
by  the  winter's  cold,  an  instrument  ordained  to  settle- 
the  wilderness. 


CHAP.  VII. 


REMARKS  ON  THE  INDIAN  CUSTOMS  AND  MODE  OF  WARFARE;. 
AND  THE  CHANGE  THAT  TOOK  PLACE  IN  CONSEQUENCE  OF 
THEIR  INTERCOURSE-  WITH  THE  FRENCH,  WITH  A  CONTINUA- 
TION OF  THEIR  ATTACKS  ON  THE  FRONTIERS,  DURING  THE 
WARS  BETWEEN  ENGLAND  AND  FRANCE. 

Aftrb  the  destruction  of  Fhilip»  and  those  tribes  of 
Indians  who  joined  him  in  his  wars  against  the  English, 
the  inhabitants  of  the  New- England  colonies  were  in  a 
great  measure  relieved  from  the  terrors  and  vexations,, 
which  they  had  for  so  long  a  time  suffered  from  the  hos- 
tilities which  had  existed  with  the  Indians  from  the  time 
they  first  handed  at  Plymouth.  The  remnants  of  those 
tribes  who.  had  been  subdued,  fled  to  the  far  west  and  to 
Canada.  Those  who  had  been  friendly  to  the  English 
remained,  and  had  a  portion  of  their  lands  assigned  them, 
that  they  might  exist  upon,  with  certain  privileges  of 
hunting,  fishing,  peeling  bark,  &c.  ;  but  the  change  that 
took  place  in  theii   habits  and  mode  of  life,  in  cons/e- 


INDIAN    nARt 


HI 


ies  of 
glish, 
e  in  a 
itions^ 
hos- 
time 
those 
md  to 
nglish 
thenif 
;cs  of 
e  that 
onsfir 


/ 


quence  of  their  intercourse  with  the  English,  has  prored 
about  as  destructive  to  theni  as  their  wars.  At  the 
present  time  there  are  -a  few  miserable  remnants  of  ihera 
remaining  in  ciifferent  parts  cjf  the  fcOuntry. 

.  The  French  havitig  possession  of  Ihe  Canaiias  and 
Nova-Scotia,  gave  them  great  advantages  in  getting  a 
complete  contrbl  over  the  Indian  tribes,  on  all  the  fron- 
tiers of  the  north  and  east.  They  pursued  a  very 
diflfercnt  course  toward  them,  from  that  of-  the  English. 
Instead  of  destroying  them,  they  adopted  the  plan  of- 
conciliating  and  improving  their  condition.  Missiona- 
ries wore  sent  out  from  France  by  the  Jesuits,  who 
adoptc'j  l.ieir  manner  of  living,  aiid  established  them- 
selv€3  at  the  various  posts  throughout  the  country ; 
introduced  among  them  the  Roman  Cathotic  religion, 
Tvh'-  ■  ey  readily  embraced,  it  being  more  congenial 
to  ;  ideas  of  worship  than  any  other  that  they  had 
aiiy  knowledge  of.  All  the  Indian  tribes  in  Canada  and 
Nova-Scotia,  at  the  present  time,  strictly  conform  to  the 
catholic  faith,  and  have  their  churches  and  priests.  One 
of  their  sachems  being  asked  why  they  were  so  strongly 
attached  to  the  French,  from  whom  they  could  not  ex- 
pect to  receive  so  much  benefit  as  from  the  'English^ 
gravely  answered,  *'  Because  the  French  have  taught  us 
to  pray  to  God,  which  the  English  never  did,'' 

It  was  the  policy  of  the  French  government,  in  the 
settlement  of  the  Canadas,  to  gain  an  ascendency  and 
control  over  all  the  Indian  tribes,  in  order  to  make  them 
subservient  to  their  plans,  in  .^itiing  them  in  their  con- 
quests, and  in  enabling  them  to  keep  possession  of  the 
<fountry.  For  this  purpose  they  not  only  converted  them 
to  their  religion,  but  those  who  came  out  to  settle  in  the 
country  were  not  permitted  to  bring  women  with  them  ; 
in  order  that  tliey  might  be  induced  to  form  a  closer  alli- 
ance, by  taking  to  themselves  Indian  wives.  From  this 
cause  many  of  the  French  Canadians  are  of  a  mixed 
blood. 

The  great  plan  of  the  French  was  to  establish  a  line 
•of  posts  from  the  mouth  of  the  St.  Lawrence  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Mississippi ;  by  whidh  means,  with  the  aid 
of  the  savage  tribes,  tbey  would  have  been  able  to  eon- 


I 


'M 


■i 

111 

■I! 
ill 


i4t$ 


tNDIAN    WAKS. 

f  North  Americ 


ind  hcive  placed 


trol  the  destinies 
the  English  colonies  in  a  very  uncertain  position  ;  and 
would  also  have  given  them  the  whole  of  the  fur  tiade, 
which  was  very  important  object.  This  would  proba- 
bly have  btwn  effected,  had  the  government  of  France 
given  that  aid  to  the  plan  that  was  expected.  The  colo- 
nics were  sensible  of  their  danger,  and  the  English  gov- 
ernment were  finally  induced  to  take  measures  for  the 
conquest  of  Canada. 

When  the  French  first  settled  in  this  country,  they 
commenced  an  extensive  traffic  with  the  Indians,  and 
supplied  them  with  fire-arms,  ammunition,  and  other 
weapons  of  war  ;  and  also  introduced  among  them  a  bet- 
ter system  than  Ihey  had  before  known,  by  organizing 
them  into  companies  and  smaUer  parties,  under  proper 
officers  ;  whi<h  caused  an  entire  change  in  their  mode  of 
warfare.  This  madfe  them  a  much  more  formidable 
enemy  than  they  had  before  been,  with  their  bows  acd 
tomahawks,  and  their  irregular  manner  of  attack.  In 
their  later  wars  they  were  generally  led  by  French 
officers,  who  had  a  complete  control  over  them  ;  and  a 
liberal  prii^e  being  paid  them  for  prisoners  and  scalps, 
this,  with  their  natural  savage  ferocity.,  made  ihcm  so. 
sanguinary  and  desperate  in  their  attacks  on  ihe  inhab- 
itants of  the  frontier  towns,  that  it  struck  a  general  ter- 
ror thi*oughout  the  country.  Besides  they  were  taught 
by  their  priests,  that  the  English  were  heretics,  and  to 
destroy  them  was  a  religious  duty. 

The  head-quarters  of  the  savage  tribes  who  continued 
the  war  against  the  English,  was  at  M'  itreal  and  its 
Vicinitj.  A  large  establishment  of  ihem  had  been  col- 
lected on  the  St.  Francis,  a  river  that  empties  into  the 
St.  Lawrence  a  few  miles  below  Montreal,  who  were 
called  the  St.  Francis  Indians.  They  were  tomposed 
of  the  fragments  of  the  different  tribes  who  had  fled  to 
the  French  for  protection,  from  New-England  ;  and  still 
retained  their  hatred  to  the  English,  and  thirst  for  re- 
venge. The  Cahnawaghas,  a  numerous  and  warlike 
tribe,  who  had  always  been  at  war  with  .the  English, 
were  also  established  near  Montreal.  There  were  other 
tribes  to  the  north  and  west  of  Montreal,  and  between 


I 


INDIAN    WARS. 


149 


)  were 
posed 
ed  to 
(1  still 
Ibr  re- 
larlike 
iglisb, 
other 
It  we  en 


1 


1 


there  and  Quebec,  which  enabled  the  French  to  assem- 
ble at  short  notice,  any  number  of  Indian  warriprs  tlioy 
raiojht  wish,  to  carry  on  the  war  cgainst  the  English. 

The  great  extent  of  frontier,  from  the  Penobscot 
river  to  the  Hudson,  made  it  impossible  to  establish  any 
formidable  means  of  defence  against  the  inroads  and  fre- 
quent attacks  made  by  the  French  and  Indians,  upon  the 
inhabitants  of  our  scattered  settlements.  There  were, 
it  is  true,  several  fort?,  at  what  was  considered  the  most 
•xposed  situations  ;  but  those  were  so  far  apart  that  they 
formed  no  barrier  to  the  incursions  of  the  enemy  ;  who 
would  conceal  themselves  in  the  woods  till  a  favorable 
opportunity  offered,  when  they  would  fall  upon  the  de- 
fenceless settlements,  destroy  them,  murder  or  mak(i 
prisoners  the  inhabitants,  committing  the  most  savage 
barbarities,  and  retreat,  before  a  force  could  be  collected 
sufficient  to  oppose  them.  In  many  places  there  wer6 
block  houses,  and  also  dwelling  houses,  which  werfi 
generally  built  of  logs  and  surrounded  with  palisadoes  j 
and  being  a  srffe  defence  against  musket  balls,  afforded 
a  protection  to  the  inhabitants  who  fled  to  them  in  case 
of  alarm. 

v,The  expeditions  against  our  frontiers  were  planned 
and  fitted  out  at  Montreal,  and  were  composed  of  a  por- 
tion of  French  Canadians,  with  as  many  of  ihe  Indian 
W3rriors  as  were  deemed  necessary  to  effect  their  savage 
attrocities.  They  were  well  armed,  and  under  the  com^ 
raand  of  distinguished  French  officers,  who  were  ac^ 
quainted  with  the  country,  and  the  mode  of  warfare  best 
calculated  to  insure  success  to  their  sanguinary  and  hor- 
rid incursions.  They  had  also  the  advantage  of  the 
knowledge  of  those  Indians  who  had  fled  from  New 
England,  acting  as  their  guides,  and  who  wrre  well  ac- 
quainted with  all  the  best  routes  through  what  was  then 
a  vast  wilderness,  between  Canada  and  the  frontier  set- 
tlements of  Massachusetts  and  New-Hampshire,  with  all 
the  rivers  and  lakes,  that  were  more  or  less  navigable  for 
their  light  birch-bark  canoes.  These  canoes  were  easily 
carried  round  the  rapids,  and  from  one  stream  to  another, 
which  afforded  great  facilities  in  Iheir  expeditions.  By 
Bending  out  small  partiei  of  lh«se  Indians,  they  could 


f50 


INUIAN    WAR'S. 


t|i 


!! 


most 


«t  all  limes  get  information  of  the  situation  of  the  whol 
^extent  of  the  frontier,  and  form  their  plans  accord 

There  were  two  main  routes,  which  were  in 
'tases  taken  in  those  expeditions.  One  was  by  passing 
vp  the  river  St,  Francis  to  lake  Mumphremagog,  v/hei-c 
they  could  strike  upon  and  go  down  the  Connecticut  or 
the  Merrimack  rivers,  or  pass'  on  farther  east,  to  other 
streams  emptying  into  the  Atlantic.  They  would  often, 
when  the  main  body  arrived  at  lake  Mumphrcmogqg, 
divide  themselves  into  smaller  parties  and  take  diflfereut 
routes,  falling  upon  several  places  near  the  same  time, 
uniting  again  on  their  retreat.  TK  ;  other  was  by  going 
wp  lake  Champlain,  which  was  in  possession  of  the 
;French,  and  either  passing  up  Onion  River  and  down 
White  River  to  the  Connecticut,  or  Otter  Creek,  and 
then  down  other  streams  to  the  same  river,  more  to  the 
south.  Either  would  bring  them  near  the  English  set- 
tlements on  the  northwest  frontier  of  Massachusetts  and 
New-Hampshire^  By  one  or  the  other  of  these  routes 
the  enemy  were  in  the  habit  of  making  frequent  attacks 
on  the^e  settlements,  and  the  inhabitants  of  which  were 
made  to  sufTer  very  severely  from  their  barbarities.' 

Several  fartifieations  and  other  means  of  defence 
tvcre  erected,  to  guard  a^^jainst  these  incursions  of  the 
enemy,  and  to  protect  the  inhabitants,  as  far  as  the  na- 
ture of  their  defenceless  situation  would  admit ;  but  with 
all  that  could  be  done,  it  gave  them  very  little  security 
against  their  foes,  so  long  as  they  possessed  the  advan- 
tages above  described  ;  for  the  enemy  could  fall  upon 
them  at  such  place  and  at  any  time  they  chose  ;  commit 
their  savage  barbarities  with  impunity,  and  make  good 
"their  retieat,  with  little  molestation.  To  pursue  them 
Avas  useless,  for  it  is  believed  there  never  haB  been  an 
instance,  where  the  Indians  have  had  a  few  hours  the 
start,  that  they  have  ever  been  overtaken.  In  some  few 
cases  they  have,  by  being  vigorously  pursued,  been  com- 
pelled to  leave  their  plunder  and  prisoners  behind  ; 
though  the  latter  were  generally  killed  and  their  scalps 
taken,  for  which  they  were  paid  a  liberal  reward. 

Deertield   and   Northfield  were  for  many  years  the 
'frontier  towns  on  the   valley  of  the   Conectieut ;  a  few 


INDIAN    WARS. 


»5J 


i  whole 
•ding;'}', 
n  most 
passing 
,  vherc 
ticut  or 
;6  Other 
d  often, 
jmngqg, 
liflfereiit 
\c  time, 
»y  going 
of  tlie 
»d  down 
!ek,  and 
e  to  the 
;li3h  set- 
iptts  and 
e  routes 
t  attacks 
oh  were 
es/ 

defence 
i  of  the 
the  na- 
ut  with 
|security 
advan- 
11  upon 
commit 
le  good 
le   them 
Ibcen  an 
iurs  the 
)me  few 
»n  com- 
}ehind  ; 
Ir  scalps 

lars  the 
a  few 


I 


hanses  had  been  buiU,  however,  at  Greenfield.  A  strong 
fort  was  erected  on  the  west  hank  of  Connecticut  River, 
about  six  miles  above  Northfield,  furnished  with  a  garri- 
son, and  named  Tort  IKimmer  ;  .ind  soon  after  some 
families  settled  in  the  vicinity,  the  first  settlement  made 
in  Vermont.  This  afforded  some  protection  to  the  towns 
on  the  river  below  ;  but  those  to  the  cast  and  west  were 
in  a  d'jfencoless  state,  and  suffered  great  hardships. 

To  defend  the  inhabitants  on  the  western  frontiers 
.^om  the  frequent  incursions  made  by  the  enemy  fronr» 
Crown  Point-,  a  fort  was  erected  in  the.  town  of  Adams, 
which  was  named  Fort  Massachusetts.  Several  other 
small  fortifications  were  established  between  Fort  Hum- 
mer and  Hcosac.  These  works  were  erected  and  gar- 
risoned by  iVIassachusetts  Colony,  and  afforded  some 
protection  to  the  suffering  settlers  ;  notwithstanding 
which,  however,  frequent  aitacks  were  made  upon  them 
by  the  savages,  and  many  prisoners  and  scalps  were 
tf^ken,  and  property  destroyed. 

One  of  the  most  important  forts  erected  on  the  fron- 
tier was  that  at  Number  Four,  so  called  from  its  being 
the  fourth  town  on  the  river  in  Nev-Hampshire,  above 
Massachusetts  line,  and  since  name ..  Charlestown.  This 
is  the  first  town  on  the  river  above  Bellows  Falls,  and 
formed  a  sort  of  connecting  link  between  the  settlements 
below  and  the  extensive  valley  of  the  Connecticut  above^ 
which  was  called  the  Cops  country.  At  this  place  the 
enemy,  in  their  expeditions  against  that  part  of  the  fron- 
ti'^r,  had  heretofore  made  a  rendezvous,  from  which  to 
;.  ^ke  their  attacks  on  the  settlements,  and  from  which 
they  could  retreat  in  canoes  up  the  river,  or  take  such 
other  route  as  they  chose  on  their  return  to  Canada. 

For  many  years  previous  to  the  conquest  of  Canada, 
by  the  united  forces  of  England  and  the  New-England 
Colonies,  the  inroads  of  the  French  and  Indians  upon 
our  frontier  settlements  were  frequent  and  sanguinary. 
^,'ery  few  seasons  passed  without  the  commission  of  some 
acts  of  the  most  savage  barbarity.  The  defenceless 
state  of  the  settlements  on  the  frontiers,  made  the  iq- 
habitants  liable  at  ail  times  to  not  only  suffer  by  the 
tomahawk  and  scalping-knife,  the  destruction  of  their 


:i 


if 


(I 


152 


I.NDIAN    WAUS. 


propcM'ly,  tho  carryinr;;  otT  llicir  dearest  frionds  as  captives 
to  Ciin:<(l.i  ;  but  were  kept  in  eontiniitil  (ear  and  alarm, 
never  l<i}''"X  tlieir  heads  on  tiieir  pillows  at  night  to 
sleep,  withoi''  ihe  apprehension  of  being  wukcd  by  tiie 
yells  of  the  sav^ige  foe. 

4Somo  account  of  these  suflerings  have  been  given  in  a 
former  ehaplc^r,  and  a  detail  of  all  the  particulars  of 
every  case  would,  wc  beli(!vc,  bo  unimportant  at  tho 
present  day  ;  l)ut  to  keep  up  a  connection  in  the  histori- 
cal events  of  the  times,  wo  shall  give  some  of  the  most 
important  and  interesting  descriptions  of  suchj  ns  arc 
thought  to  be  worthy  of  being  preserved. 

One  of  the  expeditions  sent  out  from  Canada,  de- 
scended the  Merrimack  river  and  made  an  attack  on 
Andovcr,  Haverhill,  and  other  places  in  that  vicinity  ; 
burnt  and  destroyed  much  property,  and  took  a  number 
of  prisoners  ;  but-  apprehending  they  were  pursued  by  a 
large  force,  in  their  hurry  sulTered  the  prisoners  to  cs- 
<5ape  ;  but  a  party  of  them  soon  after  made  another  at- 
tack on  Haverhill,  bnrnt  nine  houses,  and  killed  and 
captured  about  forty  o'"  tlie  inhabitants.  Among  the 
prisoners,  was  Mrs.  Hannah  Dustan,  who  had  recently 
lain  in,  and  her  infant  and  nurse.  Her  children  had  es- 
caped from  the  house  on  the  fir  t'approach  of  tliC  Indians, 
and  their  father,  \vh3  was  at  labor  in  his  field,  came  to 
their  assistance  ;  and  by  placing  himself  in'' their  rc^r, 
receiving  and  returning  the  fire  of  the  enemy,  conducted 
them  to  a  place^^of  safety.  A'small  party  carried  off 
Mrs.  Dustan,  the  nurse  and  the  infant;  the  latter  they 
soon  despatched  ;  and  after  several  days  of  tedious  trav- 
elling, they  arrived  at  an  island  situated  at  the  junction 
of  the  Contoocook  and  Merrimack  rivers,  where  the 
prisoners  were  compelled  to  run  the  gauntlet,  ticcording 
to  the  Indian  custom.  The  party  now  consisted  of  an 
Indian  family  of  two  men,  three  women  and  seven  chil- 
dren, besides  an  English  lad,  who  had  ^been  with  them 
sometime. 

At  night  the  whole  retired  to  rest,  with<^ut  a  wateh, 
and  a  little  before  day  Mrs.  Hustan  arose  from  her  couch, 
and  finding  the  Indians  in  a  sound  sleep,  waked  tlie  nurse 
and  boy,  whom  she  engaged  to  aid  her,  and  seizing  the 


irVDlAIt    WAKi. 


139 


5  cnptives 
id  tilurm, 
night  to 
jd  hy  tliQ 

iven  in  a 
culars  of 
t  .nt  llic 
c  histori- 
thc  most 
hj  as  are 

lada,  de- 

ittftck  on 

vicinity  ; 

I  number 

;ucd  by  a 

:!rs  to  cs- 

lolher  at- 

ilied  and 

long  the 

recently 

n  had  es- 

Indians, 

came  to 

cir  reor, 

Dnducted 

irried  off 

ter  they 

>us  trav- 

junction 

lere   the 

ccording 

ed  of  an 

en  chil- 

th  them 

vvateh, 
Ir  couch, 
lie  nurse 
sing  the 


hatchets,  fell  resolutely  upon  the  Indians,  and  degpatchefil 
all  excepting  a  boy  and  an  old  woman,  wlio  oscapec(, 
after  being  severely  wounded,  faking  off  the  scalps, 
and  embarking  in  a  canoe,  they  paddled  down  the  river, 
and  at  length  arrived  safely  at  fjEavcrhill.  A  reward  of 
fifty  pounds  was  granted  to  the  heroine,  by  iho  General 
Court  of  Massachusetts,  and  many  valuable  presents 
were  m?'!e  to  her  by  individuals.  The  brave  act  was 
the  toj>ic  of  conversaftion  throughout  the  country. 

Tbe  usual  route  of  the  Indians,  on  their  way  to  the 
frontiers  of  New  Hampshire,  was  by  the  way  of  Winni- 
piscogee  lake.  The  distan::e  from  Cochecho  falls,  19 
the  town  of  Dover,  to  the  southeast  bpy  of  that  lake,  is 
about  thirty  milf^.  In  one  of  their  incursions,  they 
made  their  first  appearance  at  Dover,  where  they  sur- 
prised and  killed  Joseph  Flam,  and  took  three  of  his 
children  ;  the  rest  of  the  family  escaped  to  the  garrison. 
Their  next  onset  was  at  Lamprey  river,  where  they  . 
killed  Aaron  Rawlins  and  one  of  his  children,  taking 
his  wife  and  three  children  captive. 

His  brother  Samuel  also  lived  about  half  a  mile  dis-  ' 
tant  on  the  same  river.  It  ^occms  the  Indian  scout  con* 
sistcd  of  eighteen,  who  prubably  had  been  reconnoitering 
some  time,  and  intended  tp  have  destroyed  both  the  fami- 
lies, and  for  that  purpose  divided,  and  nine  went  to  each 
house,;  but  the  party  that  went  to  Samuel  Rawlins'/s, 
beatiiig  in  the  windows,  and  finding  the  family  gone,  im- 
mediately joined  their  companions,  who  were  engaged  at 
Aaron's.  Mis  wife  went  out  at  the  door,  perhaps  sooner 
than  they  would  otherwise  have  assaulted  the  house,  and 
was  immediately  seized,  and  one  or  two  of  her  childreo 
who  fqllovved  her.  Her  husband  being  alarmed,  secured 
the  door  before  they  could  enter,  and  with  his  eldest 
daughter,  about  twelve  years  old,  stood  upon  his  defence, 
i'epeatedly  firing  wherever  they  attempted  to  enter,  rnd 
at  the  same  time  calling  earnestly  to  his  neighbqrs  for 
.h^lp  ;  but  the  people  in  the  several  garrisoned  houses 
hear,  apprehending  from  the  noise  atid  incessant  firings 
the  number  of  the-  enemy  to  be  greater  than  they  were, 
and  expecting  every  moment  to  be  attacked  therbselveai) 
di^  not  venture  to  coma  to  his  assistanqe.     Having  fdjr 

20 


M^ 


154 


iir»iAN  rrAiia 


tome  time  bravely  withstood  such  UDPqtial  force,  he  wni 
at  last  killed  by  thoir  rundom  shots  tl)rou;!;h  tho  hoiiso, 
^'hich  thoy  then  broke  open,  nnd  killed  his  daughlrr. 
They  scalped  hini,  nnd  cut  off  his  daii<;ht;^r's  head,  cither 
through  haste,  or  probably  being  cnr;igcd  against  her,  on 
account  of  the  assistance  she  had  alForded  her  f*  ihcr  in 
their  defence,  which  evidently  appenred  by  her  hands 
being  soiled  with  powder.  His  wife  nnd  two  cliildren, 
a  son  nnd  daughter,  they  carried  to  Canada.  Tho 
VTomnn  was  redeemed  in  a  few  yonrs.  'i'hc  son  was 
adopted  by  the  Indians,  and  lived  with  them  all  his  days  ; 
ho  cnme  into  l*cnncook  with  the  Indigns  after  the  peace, 
nnd  expressed  to  some  people  with  wh')m  he  conversed, 
much  resentment  against  his  \inclc  Samuel  Rawlins,  on 
supposing  ho  had  detained  from  his  mother  some  proper- 
ty left  by  his  father,  but  manifested  no  desire  of  return- 
ing to  Newmarket  again.  The  daughter  married  with 
a  Frenchman,  nnd  when  she  \vas  near  sixty  years  old, 
returned  with  her  husband  to  her  nntivc  place,  in  expcc* 
tation  of  recovering  the  patrimony  she  conceived  was 
\eh  at  the  death  of  her  father  ;  but  the  estate  having 
been  sold,  they  were  disappointed,  and  after  a  year  or 
two  went  back  to  Canada, 

Within  the  town  of  Dover  were  many  families  of 
Quakers  ;  who  scrupling  the  lawfulness  of  war  could  not 
be  persuaded  to  use  any  means  for  their  defence  ;  though 
equally  exposed  with  their  neighbors  to  an  enemy  who 
made  no  distinction  between  thent,  One  of  these  peo- 
ple, Ebenezer  Downs,  was  taken  by  the  Indians,  and 
grossly  insulted  and  abused  by  them,  because  he  i  efused 
to  dance  as  the  other  prisoners  did,  for  the  diversion  of 
their  savage  captors.  Another  of  them,  John  Manson, 
who  lived  on  the  outside  of  the  town,  in  a  remote  situav 
tion,  could  not  be  persuaded  to  remove  to  a  garrison, 
though  he  had  a  large  family  of  children.  A  party  of 
thirteen  Indians,  called  French  Mohawks,  had  marked 
his  bouse  for  their  prey,  and  lay  several  days  in  ambush, 
waiting  for  an  opportunity  to  assault  it.  While  Hanson 
with  his  eldest  daughter  were  gone  to  attend  the  weekly 
meeting  of  friends,  and  his  two  eldest  sons  were  at  work; 
m  a  DMjuiow  at  some  distance,  the  Indians  entered  tbt 


llf»lAN    WARS. 


IM 


he  WAi 
hotiMO, 
ughlrr. 
,  cither 
her,  on 
ilior  in 
tuinds 
liklrrn, 
.  The 
ion  Nvas 
s  (Inys  ; 
I  pence, 
iversed, 
tins,  on 
proper- 
return- 
ed with 
irs  old, 
ex pec* 

/cd  \VU9 

iuiving 
year  or 

lilies  of 
>uld  not 
though 
ny  who 
sc  peo- 
ns, nnd 
I  efused 
sion  of 
anson, 
s  situar 
irrison, 
arty  of 
narked 
mbushy 
Innson 
weekly 
t  work; 
ed  th« 


i 


house,  killed  and  acolped  two  iniall  children,  and  took 
his  wife,  with  her  infant  of  fourteen  days  old,  her  nurse, 
two  duuj^htcrs  end  u  son,  and  after  riflin^^  the  house, 
carried  them  off.  This  was  done  so  suddenly  and  se- 
cretly, that  the  first  person  who  discovered  it  was  the 
eldest  daugiiter,  at  her  return  from  the  meeting  before 
her  father.  Scein};;  the  two  diildrcn  dead  at  the  door, 
Bho  gave  a  shriek  ufdiHtresi^,  which  was  distinctly  heard 
by  her  mother,  then  in  the  liands  of  the  enemy  amonj; 
tiio  bushos,  and  by  her  brothers  in  the  meadow.  The 
people' being  alarmed,  went  in  pursuit ;  hut  the  Indians 
cautiously  avoiding  all  paths,  went  off  with  their  captivei 
undiscovered.  The  woman,  though  of  n  tender  consti. 
tution,  had  a  firm  and  vigorous  mind,  and  passed  through 
the  various  hardships  of  an  Indian  captivity,  with  much 
resolution  and  patience.  When  her  milk  failed,  she 
supported  her  infant  with  water,  which  she  warmed  in 
her  mouth,  and  dropped  on  her  breast,  till  the  squaws 
tauglit  her  to  beat  the  kernel  of  walnuts  and  boil  it 
with  bruised  corn,  which  proved  a  nourishing  food  for 
her  babe.  They  were  all  sold  to  the  French,  in  Canada. 
Hanson  went  the  next  spring  and  redeemed  his  wife,  the 
three  younger  children  and  the  nurspj^but  he  could  not 
obtain  the  elder  daugliter,  of  seventeen  years  old,  though 
he  saw  and  conversed  with  her.  After  this  disaster  had 
befallen  his  family,  Hanson  removed  the  remainder  at 
them. to  the  house  of  his  brother,  who,  though  of  the  same 
religious  persuasion,  yet  had  a  number  of  lusty  sons,  and 
always  kept  his  fire-arms  in  good  order,  for  the  purpose 
of  shooting  game. 

These  and  oilier  insolences  of  the  cnem^  being  daily 
perpetrated  on  the  frontiers,  caused  the  governments  to 
resolve  on  an  exp^jdition  to  Norridgewog.  The  captains 
Moulton  arid  Harman,  both  of  Yoik,  each  et  the  head 
of  a  company  of  one  hundred  men,  executed  their  orders 
with  great  address.  They  completely  invested  and  sur- 
prised that  vill.igc  ;  killed  the  obnoxious  Jesuit,  with 
about  eighty  of  his  Indians  ;  recovered  three  captives  ; 
destroyed  the  chapel,  and  brought  away  the  plate  and 
furniture  of  the  altar,  and  the  devotional  flag,  as  trophies 
♦f  their  victory-.    When  the  attack  commenced,  the  noiie 


w 


I    ' 


>      ! 


! 


i 


i56 


IVPIAN    WARI. 


and  tumult  gnvo  Father  Hastes  notice  of  the  danger  hi« 
converts  were  in.  Not  intimidated,  he  went  out  to  meet 
the  assailants,  in  hopes  to  draw  all  their  attention  to  himself 
aWd  secure  Ms  Hock,  at  the  peril  of  his  own  life.  Me  was 
not  disappointed.  As  soon  as  he  appeared,  the  English 
set  up  a  shout,  which  was  followed  by  n  show(  r  of  shot, 
and  hd  fell  near  a  cross  which  he  had  arected  in  the  mid- 
dle of  the  village,  and  with  him  seven  Indians,  who  had 
accompanied  him  to  shelter  him  with  their  own  bodies. 
The  ImKians,  in  the  greatest  consternation  at  his  death, 
immediately  took  to  flight,  and  crossed  the  river,  sonie  by 
fording,  ann  others  swimming.  The  enemy  ])ursued  them 
tintjl  they  entered  far  into  the  woods;  and  then  returned, 
and  pillaged  and  burnt  the  church  and  the  wigwams. 
Ralle  was  then  in  the  sixty-eighth  ytsu*  of  his  age,  and 
had  resided  in  his  mission  at  Norridgcwog  twenly-six 
years ;  havii^  bef<j>re  spent  six  years  in  travelling  among 
th<!  lodian  nations,  in  the  interior  parts  ot'  America. 
.  Sebastian  Rasles,  or  Kalle,  was  of  a  respectable  family 
in  Franche-Compte,  and  was  born  about  the  year  1C67. 
Being  appointed  a  missionary  from  the  society  of  Jesuits 
lo  {he  Indians  b(  Ngrth  America,  he  embarked  at  Ho- 
chelle,  in  France,  oil  the  £'3d  of  July,  l()89,  and  arrived 
at  Quebec,  in  October  following.  He  iinmediaiely  ap- 
plied himself  lo  learning  the  language  of  the  JihnaUis  ; 
and  went  to  reside  in  their  village,  containing  two  hun- 
dred inhabitants,  and  situated  about  three  leagues  from 
{Quebec,  in  the  midst  of  a  forest.  Among  the  various 
tribes  of  Indians,  he  passed  the  rest  of  his  life,  conforming 
to  their  customs,  living  upon  their  unpalatable  food,  in 
jl-regular  and  uncertain  supplies ,  taking  long  journeys 
through  a  rugged  wilderness,  without  shelter  or  comforta- 
ble repose  by  night,  and  with  incessant  fatigue  by  day. 
He  is  said  to  have  been  a  tiian'of  superior  sense  and  pro- 
fotind  learning;  and  particularly  skilled  in  Latin,  which 
hie  wrote  with  chussical  purity. 

'I  he  success  of  the  forces  at  Norridgewog  and  the  large 
premium  offered  for  scalps,  having  induced  several  volun- 
teer companies  to  go  out,  they  visited  one  after  another 
of  the  Indian  villages,  but  found  them  deserted.  'I'he 
fatii  of  Norridgewog  had  struVk  such  a  terror  into  them, 


rifniAN  \rARS. 


16? 


lar«;e 

voliin- 

nothor 

The 

them, 


that  they  did  not  tliink  thrmselvon  safe  at  any  of  their 
former  places  of  abode,  and  oeciipieii  thrm  as  resting 
phiccfl  only,  when  (hey  were  seontinjr  or  hunting. 

One  of  these  volimteer  eonipaniev,  under  the  command 
of  Capt.  John  Lovewell,  of  iJunstaMe,  was  greatly  dis- 
tinguished, first  by  their  success  and  ul'tcrwards  by  tiieir 
misfortunes.  This  company  ((insisted  of  thirty.  At  their 
first  excursion  to  the  northward  of  Winnipiseof;ee  lake, 
they  discovered  an  Indian  wigwau,  in  v^hidi  were  a  man 
and  a  boy.  They  killed  and  seaiped  the  m,  11,  and  brought 
the  boy  alive  to  Boston,  where  they  received  the  reward, 
promised  by  law,  and  a  handsome  gratuity  besides. 

J3y  this  success,  his  company  was  augmented  to  se<enty. 
They  marched  again,  and  visiting  th{^   place  where  ihev 
had  killed  the  Indian,  found  his   body  as  they  had  left  11 
two  months  befori*.     Their  provision  falling  shor',    '  irty 
of  .^icm  were  dismissed   by  lot  and  returned.      I'ht  re- 
maining forty  continued  their  march  till  they  discovered  a 
track,  which  they  followed  till  they  saw  a  srnokc  just  be- 
fore sunset,  by  which  they  judged  that  th(;  enemy  were 
(EMieamped  for  the  night.     'I'hey  kept  tiiemselves  concealed 
till  after  midnight,  when   they  silently  advanced,  and  d'ii 
covered  ten   Indians  aslei;)),  round  a  fire,  by  the  feide  of  a 
frozen  pond.     Lovewell  now  determined  to  make   suro 
work;  and  placing  his   men   conveniently,  ordered  a  pari 
of  them  to  lire,  five  at  once,  as  (juick  alter  each  other  as 
possible,  and  another  part  to  reserve  th.i.   fire  :   he  gavo 
the  signal,  by  firing  his  own  gun,  whitii  kilhid  two  ol 
them ;  the  men  firing  according  to  order,  killed  five  mor« 
on  the  spot;  the  other  three  starting  up  from  their  slt^ep, 
two  of  them  were  immediately  shoi  dead  by  the  reserve 
The    other,    though    wounded,   attempted   to  escape    by 
crossing  the  pond,  but  was  seized  by  a  dog  and  held  fast 
till  th(7  killed  him.     'I'hus   in  a  few  minutes  the  whole 
company  was  destroyed,   and  that  attempt  against   the 
frontiers  of  New-Hampshire  prevented  ;  for  these  Indians 
were   marching  from   Canada,  well   furnished  with   new 
guns  and  plenty  of  amuniti(m  ;  tlu^y  had  also  a  number  of 
spare  blankets,  mockasens  and   snow-shoes,  for  the  ac- 
commodation   of  the    prisoners  whom  they  expected  to 
take,  and  were  vvitliin  two  days  marc|)  bf  the  frontiers 


I 


1 


1 


1) 


l! 


I 


ill 


ll!l 


Ik 


I 

11 


15S 


iNPlAy    WAEI- 


The  pond  wbern  this  exploit  was  performed  is  at  thfe  hevA 
of  a  branch  of  Salmonfall  river,  in  the  loivnship  of  Wake- 
field, and  has  <?ver  since  borne  the  name  of  LoveueJl's 
Pond,  'I'he  action  i;^  spoivcn  of  by  elderlj  people,  at  this 
distance  of  time,  with  an  air  of  exultation  ;  and  consider- ' 
ing  the  extreme  difficulty  of  finding  and  attacking  Indians 
in  the  uoods,  and  the  judicious  manner  in  which  they 
were  so  complet(ely  surprivsed,  it  was  a  capital  exploit. 

Tile  brave  company,  with  the  ten  scalps  stretched  on 
hon>{)s,  and  elevated  on  poles,  entered  Dover  in  triumph^ 
and  proceeded  thence  to  Boston  ;  where  they  received 
the  bounty  of  one  hur.dred  pounds  for  each,  out  of  the 
]public  treasury. 

Encouraged  by  this  success,  Lovewell  marched  a  third 
time ;  intending  to  attack  the  villages  of  Pequawket,  on 
the  upper  part  of  the  river  Saco,  which  h»d  been  the  resi- 
dence of  a  formidable  tribe,  and  which  they  still  occasion- 
ally inhabited. .  His  company  at  this  time  consisted  of 
forty-six,  including  a  chaplain  and  surgeon.  Two  of  them 
proving  lame,  returned  ;  another  falling  sick,  tliey  halted 
and  built  a  stockade  fort  on  the  west  side  of  great  Ossipee 
pond  ;  partly  for  the  accommodation  of  the  sick  man,  and 
partly  for  a  place  of  retreat  in  case  of  any  misfortune. 
Here  the  surgeon  was  left  with  the  sick  man,  and  eight 
of  the  company  for  a  guard.  The  number  was  now  re- 
duced to  thirty-four.  Pursuing  their  march  to  the  north- 
ward, they  came  to  a  pond,  about  twenty-two  miles  dis- 
tant from  the  fort,  and  encamped  by  the  side  cf  it.  Early 
the  next  morning,  while  at  their  devotior_.<,  they  heard  the 
report  of  a  gun,  and  discovered  a  single  Indian,  standing 
on  a  point  of  land,  which  runs  into  the  pond,  more  than  a 
mile  distant.  'I'hey  had  been  alarmed  tlie  preceding  night 
by  noises ,  round  their  camp,  which  they  imagined  were 
made  by  Indians,  and  tiiis  opinion  was  now  strengthened. 
They  suspected  that  the  Indian  was  placed  there  to  de- 
coy them,  and  that  a  body  of  the  enemy  was  in  their 
front.  A  consultation  being  held,  they  determined  to 
march  forward,  and  by  encompassing  the  pond,  to  gain 
the  place  where  the  Indian  stood  ;  and  that  they  might 
"  r  action,  they  disencumbered  themselves  of 


ready 


their  p?sckg,  and  left  them,  without  a  §uard,  at  the  north- 


i 


ii 


liNDIA;*    WARS. 


159 


thfc  hetni 
)f  Wake- 
3ve  well's 
u,  at  this 
consider-  * 
I  Indians 
liich  they 
ploit. 
tched  on 
triumph^ 
received 
It  of  the 

id  a  ihini 

wket,  on 

the  resi- 

oc.casion- 

sisted  of 

3  of  them 

By  halted 

t  Ossipee 

man,  and 

isfortune. 

»nd  eight 

?  now  le- 

le  north- 

iies  dis- 

Early 

leard  the 

standing 

e  than  a 

ing  night 

ed  were 

gthened. 

re  to  de- 

in  their 

lined   to 

to  gain 

\y  might 

elves  of 

e  north- 


east end  of  the  pond,  in  a  pitch-pine  plain,  where  the 
trees  were  thin,  and  the  brakes,  at  that  time  of  the  year, 
small.  It  happened  that  Lovewoirs  mt^rch  had  crossed  £1 
carrying-place,  by  which  two  parties  of  Indians,  consist- 
ing of  forty-one  men,  commanded  by  Paugus  and  Wahwa; 
who  had  been  scouting  down  Saco  river,  were  rt'turniiig 
to  the  lower  village  of  Pequavvket,  distant  about  a  mile 
and  a  half  from  this  pond.  Having  fallen  on  his  track, 
they  followed  it  till  they  came  to  the  packs,  which  they 
removed ;  and  counting  them,  found  the  number  of  his 
men  to  be  less  than  their  own.  They  therefore  placed 
themselves  in  ambush,  to  attack  them  on  their  return. 
The  Indian  who  stood  on  the  point,  and  was  returning' 
to  the  village  by  another  path,  met  them,  and  received 
their  fire,  which  he  returned,  and  wounded  Lovewell  and 
another  with  small  shot.  Lieutenant  Wyman  firing  again, 
killed  him,  and  they  took  his  scalp.  Seeing  no  other 
enemy,  they  returned  to  the  place  where  they  had  left 
their  packs,  and  while  they  were  looking  for  them,  the 
Itidians  rose  and  ran  towjird  them  with  a  horrid  yelling. 
A  smart  firing  commenced  on  both  sides,  it  being  now 
about  ten  o'clock.  Capt.  Lovewell  and  eight  more  were 
killed  on  the  spot.  Lieut.  Karwell  and  two  others  were 
wounded.  Several  of  the  Indians  fejl;  but,  being  supe- 
rior in  number,  they  endeavered  to  surround  the  party, 
who,  perceiving  their  intention,  retreated  ;  hoping  to  be 
sheltered  by  a  point  of  rocks  which  ran  into  the  pond, 
and  a  few  large  pine  trees  standing  on  a  sandy  beach. 
In  this  forlorn  place,  they  took  their  station..  On  theii 
right  was  the  mouth  of  a  brook,  at  that  time  unfordable ; 
on  thttir  left  was  the  rocky  point ;  their  front  was  partly 
covenid  by  a  deep  bog  and  partly  uncovered,  and  the  pond 
was  in  their  rear.  The  enemy  galled  them  in  front  and 
flank,  and  had  them  so  completely  in  their  power,  that 
had  they  made  a  prudent  use  of  their  advantage,  the  whole 
company  must  either  have  been  killed,  or  obliged  to  sur- 
render at  discretion  ;  being  destitute  of  a  mouthful  of  sus- 
tenance, and  an  escape  being  impjractical?)e.  Under  the 
conduct  of  Lieut.  Wyman,  they  kept  up  their  fire,  and 
showed  a  resolute  countenance,  all  the  remainder  of  the 
jday ;  during  which|  their  chaplain,  Jonathan  Frye,  £usign 


.#* 


■  Hi  I       i»!HH* 


• 


KiO 


»NDi.\.>r  nAits. 


Robbing,  anil  one  mor«,  were  mortally  wounded.  The 
Indians  invited  thorn  to  surrender,  by  holding  up  ropes  to 
them,  and  ende;rv'ored  4o  ifttimidate  them  by  their  hideoUs 
yells  ;  but  they  determined  to  die  rather  than  yield  ;  and 
by  their  well  directed  fire,  the  number  of  the  savages  was 
thinned,  and  their  cries  became  fainter,  till,  just  before 
night,  they  quitted  their  advantageous  ground,  carrying  off 
their  killed  and  wounded,  and  le  iving  the  dead  bodies  of 
Lovevvell  and  his  men  unscalped.  The  shattered  remnant 
of  this  brave  comi)any  collected  themselves  together,  found 
three  of  their  number  unable  to  move  from  the  spot,  eleven 
womided  but  ahle  to  march,  and  nine  who  had  received 
no  hurt.  It  was  melancholy  to  leave  their  dying  cornpan- 
ions  behind,  but  there  was  no  possibility  of  removing  iheiTi. 
One  of  them.  Ensign  Rohbins,  desired  them  to  lay  his 
j;un  by  him  charged,  that  if  the  Indians  should  return  be- 
fore his  death,  he  might  be  able  fo  kill  one  more.  After 
the  rising  of  the  moon,  they  quitted  the,  fatal  spot,  and  di- 
rected their  march  toward  the  fort,  where  the  surgeon 
and  guard  had  been  left.  To  their  great  surprise,  they 
found  it  deserted.  In  the  beginning  of  the  action,  one 
.man  (whose  name  has  not  been  thtii^dit  worthy  to  be 
.transmitted  to  posterity)  quitted  the  field,  and  fled  to  tl^e 
fort ;  where,  in  thfe  style  of  Job's  messenger,  he  informed 
them  of  Lovewell's  death,  and  the  defeat  of  the  whole 
company ;  upon  which  they  made  th«  best  of  their  way 
•home,  leaving  a  quantity  of  bre.id  and  pork,  which  was  a 
seasonable  relief  to  the  retreating  survivors.  From  this 
plfice,  they  endeavored  to  get  home.  Lieut.  Farwell  and 
the  chaplain,  who  had  the  jourtial  of  the  march  in  his 
pocket,  and  one  more,  perished  in  the  woods,  for  want  of 
dressing  for  their  wounds.  The  others,  after  enduring 
the  most  severe  hardships,  came  in  one  after  another,  and 
were  nqt^pnly  received  with  joy,  but  were  recompensed 
for  their  valor,  and  sufferings ;  and  a  generous  provision 
was  made  for  the  widows  and  children  of  the  slain. 

fn  the  month  of  August,  M.  Rigaud  de  Vadreuil 
marched  from  Crown  Point,  with  ^bout  eight  hundred 
French  and  Indians,  and  invest;i<i  i' irt  Massachusetts  on 
the  20th.  I  he  garrison  at  this  tiTr:«5,  consisted  of  only 
twenty-two  effective  men,imu'^^r  tm  ommand  of  sergeant, 
•fttrwards  Lieut.  Col.  John  Hh.\ks. 


IMDIAN  \ifAllS. 


IQl 


I.    Th€ 
ropes  to 
•  hideous 
eld;  and 
iges  was 
it  before 
frying  off 
bodies  of 
1  remnant 
ler,  found 
lot,  eleven 
1  received 
ir  com  pan- 
ning ihem. 
to  lay  Ins 
return  be- 
ire.     Alter 
lot,  and  di- 
le  surgeon 
rprise,  they 
action,  one 
irthy  to  be 
fled  to  tl^e 
le  informed 
the  whole 
their  way 
hich  was  a 
From  this 
arwell  and 
jarch  in  his 
for  want  of 
r  enduring 
nother,  and 
icompensed 
IS  provision 

Islain. 

Vadreuil 

ht  hundred 

ichusetts  on 

cd  of  only 

|of  sergeant, 


Notvvilhstunding'  the  inferiority  of  his  force,  the  brave 
sergoant  rejected  the  proposals  of  the  Ii'rench  com- 
innnder,  and  resolved  to  -defend  the  pluce  to  the  last  ex- 
tremity. For  twenty-eight  hours,  with  small  arms  only, 
and  a  scanty  supply  of  amtnunitiun,  ho  resisted  the  efifarts 
of  the  enemy,  and  kept  them  at  a  respectful  distance. 
Habituated  to  sharp  shooting,  the  garrisba  singled,  out 
the  assailants  whenever  they  exposed  themselves,  and 
brought  them  down  at  long  shot.  Instances  occurred 
in  which  the  enemj  were  thus  killed,  at  the  extraordi- 
nary distance  of  sixty  rods  ;  and  they  often  fell,  when 
they  supposed  themselves  in  perfect  security.  Having 
at  length  expended  most  of  his  ammunition,  the  brave 
commander  reluctantly  consented  to  submit,  and  a  ca- 
pitulation was  agreed  upon,  by  which  the  garrison  was  to 
remain  prisoners  of  war  until  exchanged  or  redeemed — 
to  be  humanely  treated,  and  none  to  be  delivered  to  the 
Indians.  Vaudrcuil,  however,  the  hcxt  day,  in  violation 
of  the  articles  of  capitulation,  delivered  one  half  of  the 
captives  into  the  hands  of  the  irritated  Indians,  by  whom 
a  sick  man  was  immediately  murdered ;  but  the  others 
were  treated  with  humanity-— carried  to  Crown  Point, 
thent'c  to  Canada,  and  afterwards  redeemed.  Hawks 
lost  but  one  man  during  the  siege,  but  the  enemy,  ac- 
tsording  to  information  afterwards  obtained,  had  fort}'* 
seven  killed,  or  badly  wounded. 

'J'he  fort  at  Charle^town,  which  had  been  abandoned 
during  the  winter  previous  to  March,  1747,  was  then, 
re-occupied  by  thirty  men,  and  placed  under  the  com- 
mand of  Capt.  Stevens,  who  had  been  its  former  com- 
mander ;  and  scarcely  had  he  commenced  his  usual  du- 
ties, when  it  was  invested  by  a  large  body  of  French 
and  Indians,  under  the  command  of  Mons.  Debeline. 

On  first  arriving  before  the  place,  the  enemy  secreting 
themselves,  lay  sometime  before  they  were  discovered 
by  the  garrison  ;  nor  was  their  proximity  conjectured, 
until  the  dogs  in  the  fort  indicated  something  singular  in 
their  conduct.  Suspicions  being  thus  raised,  the  gate  of 
the  fort  was  cautiously  opened — the  garrison  put  on  the- 
alert,  and  no  one  allowed  to  go  at  a  distance.  At  length 
one  of  the  men,  desirous  of  ascertaining  the  ground  ©f 

21 


162 


ipfDMpr  WAns. 


;!'  II- 


the  suspicions,  ventured  out  about  twenty  rods,  dis* 
charged  \m  musket,  and  sent  forward  his  dogs.  Believ- 
ing they  were  discovered,  a  party  of  the  enemy,  con- 
cealed behind  a  log,  rose,  fired  and  slightly  wounded 
the  man,  who.  by  a  rapid  retreat  to  the  fort,  saved  his 
life.  The  whole  body  of  the  eneniy  now  rose  from  their 
covert,  and  with  horrid  yells,  poured  a  general  fire  on 
the  fort ;  but  their  resolution  was  bot  eqaal  to  an  •tteropt 
to  carry  it  by  storm. 

The  fort  being  constructed  of  combustible  materials^ 
the  enemy  believed  it  possible  to  set  it  on  fira,  and 
thereby  compel  the  garrison  to  surrender  without  further 
opposition.  To  elfect  this,  the  neighboring  fences  and 
a  log  hut,  about  forty  rods  to  windward,  were  soon  set 
01  fire,  and  as  the  wind  was  brisks  the  flames  approached 
and  covered  the  fort  with  a  dense  body  of  ssaoke,  through 
which  was  beard  the  terrifying  yell  of  the  savages,  and 
a  constant  roar  of  musketry,  and  ike  balTs  like  bail 
ikowered  upon  the  fort. 

Undaunted*  the  brave  little  garrison  resolved  to  defend 
tiieir  post,  to  the  last  extremity,  and  a  novel  schenve  was- 
adopted  to  extinguish  the  approaching  flames,  which 
now  began  to  threaten  destruction.  By  great  exertions, 
no  less  than  efeven  passages^  or  subterranean  galleries, 
were  carriedunder  the  parapet,  of  such  a  depth,  that 
men  standing  in  them,  on  the  exterior  of  tlie  fort,  were 
completely  protected  from  the  shot  of  the  enemy. 
Buckets  of  water  from  a  well  within,  were  handed  to 
the  men,  who  kept  the  parapet  constantly  moistened. 
Several  hundred  barrels  were  thus  expended,  aud  the 
fort  rendered  perfectly  secure  from  the  approaching 
flames.  In  the  mean  time,  a  brisk  Sre  was  continued 
upon  the  enemy,  when  they  could  be  distinguished 
through  the  smoke.  Thus  baffled  in  his  plan,  Debeline 
resolved  to  ^arry  the  place  by  other  means  ;  a  sort  of 
mantelet  was  prepared,  and  loaded  with  dry  faggots,  set 
on  fire,  and  forced  towards  the  fort  ;  flaming  arrows 
were  also  tried,  but  his  e£forts  to  fire  the  place  proved 
abortive. 

On  the  second  day,  Debeline  proposed  a  cessation  of 
lutstilitles^  until  sunrise  the  next  morning,  with  which 


ItTDlAlIt    WARSs 


163 


eliev- 
I  con- 
unded 
ed  his 
I  their 
ire  on 
ktempt 

;erVtl»» 
0,  and 
r«rtber 

K)B  set 

oaebcd 
hrottgb 

;c9,  and 
ke  bail 

>  defend 
jmewa* 
,  vrbich 
Lcrtion8, 
alleries, 
)tb,  that 
i%  were 
enemy, 
mded  to- 
)istened, 
and  the 
roaching 
ontinued 
nguished 
Jebeline 
a  sort  of 
gotSj  set 
arrows 
e  proved 

lation  of 
tb  vfbicb 


; 


Idie^herii  complied,  and  in  the  morning,  before  t^e  time 
had  expired,  Debeline  apprcQched  with  lifty  men,  under 
fi  fla;^,  which  he  planted  within  twenty  rods  of  the  fort. 
A  parley  was  then  agreed  on,  and  Stephens  admitted  a 
lieutenant  and  two  men  into  the  fort  «s  hostages,  and 
the  same  number  were  sent  out  to  DebeKne^  who  de^ 
manded  that  the  garrison  should  lay  down  their  artns, 
{>ack  up  their  provisions  in  blankets,  surrender  the  fort, 
and  b«  conducted  prisoners  to  Montreal  >  and  Stephens 
was  requested  to  meet  him  without  the  fort,  and  give  an 
answer.  Stephens  accordingly  met  the  French  com- 
mander, but  before  he  had  time  to  return  his  answer.* 
Monsieur  threatened  that  if  the  terms  were  rejected,  the 
fori  should  be  stormed,  and  in  case  any  of  his  men  should 
he  killed,  the  garrison  should  be  put  to  the  sword.  Ste- 
piiiens  cooly  replied,  that  as  he  had  been  intrusted  by  bis 
government  with  the  command  of  the  fort,  he  she^uld 
hearken  to  no  terms  until  he  was  satisfied  that  he  could 
no  longer  defend  it;  and  added,  that  it  was  but  a  poor 
Inducement  to  surrender,  if  all  were  to  be  put  to  the 
sword  for  killing  one  of  his  men,  when  it  was  probabte 
he  had  already  despatched  several.  Debeline  replied, 
**  Do  as  you  please — I  am  resolved  to  have  the  fort,  or 
die  ;  go  and  see  if  your  men  dare  £ght  any  longer,  and 
give  me  a  quick  answer^"  Stephens  returned  to  the 
fort  and  found  bis  men  unanimously  determined  to  defend 
the  place  or  die  in  the  attempt.  This  resolution  was 
communicated  to  the  French  commander  (bout  noon ; 
the  hostages  were  exchanged^  and  the  firing  Wat  renewed, 
with  a  shout  from  the  Indians,  and  it  continued  until  di^» 
light  the  next  momiug,  when  Stephens  was  familiarly 
saluted  with  "good  raor-t*  .g,"  from  the  enemy,  when  a 
proposition  was  made  for  a  cessation  of  aims  for  ivrt 
hours.  Soon  after  two  Indians  approached  with  a  fla^j 
and  promised  if  Stephens  would  sell  them  provisions, 
they  would  leave,  the  place  withiout  further  efforts.  In 
reply,  they  were  told  that  five  bushels  of  «om  would  be 
given  for  each  captive  in  Canadc,  for  whom  tbey  should 
give  hostages,  to  remain  until  the  captives  should  be  de- 
livered. Debeline,  convinced  that  he  could  not  operate 
upon  the  fears  of  his  enemy,  or  gain  possession  of  the 


I  ^^^m 


164 


IlfDIAN    WARS. 


■V     ! 


place  Avilhout  an  assault,  continued  n  distant  fire  n  bliort 


time  ;  ther  reluctantly  withdrew  from  the  for! 


In  the  attack,  whi'jh   continued   three  d 


f«V' 


5<«p) 


lens 


states  that  thousands  of  balls  were  poured 
yet  not  a  nian  <if  the  garrison  was  killed,  ard  on!''  i\\<^ 
wounded.  When  the  intellig^^nce  of  this  biave  defeiice 
was  received  at  Boston,  Commndorc  Sir  Charlc»Knowles, 
who  happened  to  be  at  flint  sta(u  Hv  was  ao  highly  grati- 
fied at  the  conduct  of  Stephen-s,  that  he  sent  him  an  ele- 
gant sword  ;  and  Number  Four,  v. hen  incoiporatcd  into 
a  town  in  1T53,  was  called  after  the  coain.odoro's  nnr^u-, 
Cba!:'h",'-'..o\i:T)„ 

In  thi  various  fittarks  upon  small  parties  by  surprise, 
the  enemy  IumI  !L;oncr;tlly  been  successful  ;  but  scouting 
parUcs,  ururj-  brave  and  cautious  oflTicprs,  sometimes 
turned  the  iicaies  against  them.  A  gallant  ease  of  this 
kind  occurred  about  this  time.  Capt.  Humphrey  Hobbs, 
with  forly  men,  was  ordered  from  Charlerlnvvn,  through 
the  woods  to  fort  Shirley,  in  Heath,  one  of  the  posts  on 
the  Massachusetts  line;  The  march  was  made  without 
interruption,  until  Hobbs  arrived  at  what  is  now  Marl- 
borough, in  Vermont,  about  twelve  miles  northwest  of 
fort  Dummer,  where  he  halted  on  the  26th  of  June,  to 
give  his  men  an  opportunity  to  refresh  themselves.  A 
large  body  of  Indians,  under  a  resolute  chief  by  the  name 
of  Sackett,  a  half  breed,  (fiscovered  Hobbs' s  trail,  and 
made  a  rapid  march  to  cut  him^  off  VVithout  being  ap- 
prized of  the  pursuit  of  th3  enemy,  Hobbs  had  circum- 
spectly posted  a  guard  ou  his  trail,  and  his  men  were 
regaling  themselves  at  their  packs,  on  &  low  piece  oi 
ground,  covered  with  alders,  intermixed  with  large  trees, 
and  watered  by  a  rivulet.  The  enemy  soon  came  up, 
and  diove  in  the  guard,  which  first  appri?rcd  Hobbs  of 
their  proximity.  Without-the  least  know'- d;i:e  of  their 
strength,  he  inftantly  formed  for  action, 
lecting  his  tr-'  for  a  cover.  Confi'^pnt 
their  superio  ,  of  numbers,  the  er^'ur,  ushed  up,  and 
received  Iloobs^s  well  directed  fire,  -"iich  cut  down  a 
number,  and  checked  their  impetuosi  y  Covering  them- 
fci  Ives  also,  with  trees  and  brush,  the  .  ion  became 
warm,  and  a  severe  conflict  ensued  bet\  *^(  i    iharp  shoot- 


h  man  se- 
ictory,  from 


INDIAN    WARS 


165 


n  short 

i«phe:-\s 

i.»j  fort, 

dcfciice 
nowles, 

y  grati- 

an  ele- 

tcd  into 

3  nfifH',. 


mrpris«» 
scouting 
nictimes 
;  of  this 
r  Hobbs, 
through 
posts  on 
without 
w  Marl- 
Invest  of 
June,  to 
Ives.     A 
he  na»Ti€ 
rail,  and 
)eing  ap- 
circum- 
\cn  were 
piece  ot 
•ge  trees, 
ame  up, 
iobbs  of 
of  their 
man   se- 
3ry,  from 
\  up,  and 
down  a 
ng  th em- 
became 
rp  shoot- 


n 


ers.  The  two  commanders  had  been  known  to  each 
other,  in  time  of  peace,  and  both  bore  the  character  of 
intrepidity.  Saclcetf,  who  could  speak  Fnf»1isli,  in  a 
stentorian  voice,  frequently  called  upon  Ilobbs  to  sur- 
render, and  threatened,  in  case  of  refusal,  to  rush  in,  and 
sacrifice  his  men  with  the  tomahawk.  Ilobbs,  in  a  voice 
which  shook  the  forest,  as  often  returned  a  defiance,  and 
urged  his  enemy  to  put  his  threats  in  execution.  The 
action  continued  with  undaunted  resolution,  and^not  un- 
frequently,  the  enemy  approaclied  Hobbs's  line  ;  but 
were  driven  back  to  their  first  position,  by  the  fatal  fire 
of  his  sharp-sighted  marksmen  ;  and  thus  about  four  hours 
elapsed,  without  citlicr  side  giving  up  an  inch  of  their 
original  ground.  At  length,  finding  Ilobbs  determined 
on  death  or  victory,  and  that  his  own  men  had  suffered 
severely,  Sackett  ordered  a  retreat,  carrying  off  his  dead 
and  wounded,  and  leaving  his  antagonist  to  continue  his 
march  without  further  molestation, 

This  battle  was  often  mentioned  by  the  old  people  of 
the  vicinity,  with  great  exultation,  as  exhibiting  a  mas- 
terpiece of  persevering  bravery.  Saokett's  number  has 
not  been  accurately  given  ;  but  it  is  pretty  certainly 
ascertained,  that  they  were  at  least  four  to  one  of  the 
English. 

During  the  cessation  of  hostilities  which  took  place  " 
after  the  treaty  of  peace  with  the  Indians,  in  1749, 
mrasure*  were  taken  for  extending  settlements  up  Con- 
necticut river,  and  towns  were  granted  on  both  banks 
not  long  after.  A  plan  was  also  proposed  for  establish- 
ing a  military  settlement  on  the  rich  intervals  at  Coos. 
A  road  was  to  be  cut  ouJ,  to  that  place,  two  towns  laid 
out,  one  on  each  side  of  the  river,  opposite  to  each  other, 
(new  'iOvvb<i.ry  and  Haverhill,)  and  stockades,  with  lodg- 
mi;  !«;  tor  two  nundred  men  in  each  township  to  be  erect- 
»•..,  enclosing  a  space  of  fifteen  acres  ;  in  the  centre  of 
which  was  to  ba  a  citadci,  containing  the  public  build- 
ings, and  granerics  suflicient  to  receive  the  inhabitants 
i)nd  moveable  effects,  in  case  of  necessity.  Courts  of 
justice  were  to  be  established,  and  other  civil  privileges 
granted  to  the  people  ;  and  they  were  to  be  under  strict 
milit''  ;'  discipline. 


'fl 


i  ri 


H 


f 

J 

-1 


iG6 


'NUIAN    WAI18. 


A  large  number  of  people  en/^nged  in  the  enterprise  \ 
and  in  the  spring  of  1752,  a  party  was  sent  up  to  view 
Coos  mcodows,  and  lay  out  the  proposed  townships. 
The  movements  were  noticed  by  the  Indians,  and  a  party 
of  the  St.  Francis  tribe  waq  deputed  to  remonstrate 
against  the  project  They  came  to  Charlcstown,  and 
informed  Capt.  Stephens,  that  if  the  English  encroached 
on  the  landsi,  which  they  pretended  to  claim,  they  should 
resist  by  forre.  This  determination  was  communicated 
Co  the  governor  of  New  Hampshire,  and  the  scheme  was 
laid  aside. 

The  savage  nations  in  the  French  interest  were  always 
ready,  on  the  first  appearance  of  a  rupture,  to  take  up 
the  hatchctv  It  was  the  policy  of  the  French  govein* 
ment  to  encourage  their  depr'.dations  on  the  frontiers  of 
the  English  colonies,  to  which  they  had  a  native  antipa* 
thy.  By  this  means,  the  French  could  make  their  ene- 
mies pay  the  whole  expense  of  a  war  ;  for  all  the  sup- 
plies, which  they  afforded  to  the  Indians,  were  amply 
compensated,  by  the  ransom  of  captives.  In  these  later 
wais,  therefore,  we  find  the  savages  more  dexterous  in 
taking  captives,  and  more  tender  of  them  when  taken, 
tban  in  former  wars  ;  which  were  carried  on  with  circum- 
stances of  greater  cruelty. 

No  sooner  h«d  the  alarm  of  hostilities,  ivhich  com* 
mcnced  between  the  English  and  French,  in  the  western 
part  of  Virginia,  spread  through  the  continent,  than  the 
Indians  renewed  their  attacks  on  the  frontiers  of  New- 
Hampshire.  A  party  of  thrm  made  an  assault  on  a 
family  at  Baker's-town,  on  Pcmigewasset  river,  where 
tlicy  killed  a  woman,  and  took  several  captives.  Within 
ilirce  days,  they  killed  a  man  and  woman  at  Steven's- 
town,  in  the  same  neighborhood  ;  upon  which  the  settle- 
ments were  broken  up,  and  the  people  retired  to  the 
,  lower  tows  for  safety,  and  the  government  was  obliged 
to  post  soldiers  in  the  deserted  places.  After  a  few  days 
more,  they  broke  itito  the  house  of  JanTies  Johnson,  at 
Number  Four,  early  in  the  morning,  befor'i  ;  of  the 
family  were  awake,  and  took  him,  with  hj»  ■Ae  and 
three  children,  her  sister  Miriam  Wiilard,  and  two  men, 
Peter  Laboree   and  Ebenezer  Farnsworth.     The  sur- 


rffDlAN    ITAllS. 


167 


prlsa  was  compktc  nnd  bioodloss,  and  they  earned  them 
olf  undisturbed.  The  next  day,  Johnson's  wife  was  de- 
livered of  a  daughter,  who  from  thn  circumstance  of  its 
birth  was  namcjl  Captive.  The  Indians  halted  one  day, 
on  the  woman's  account,  nnd  the  next  day  resumed  their 
march,  carrying  her  on  a  litter,  which  they  made  for  the 
purpose,  and  afterwards  put  her  on  horse-back.  On 
their  march,  they  were  distressed  for  provision,  and  killed 
the  horse  for  food.  The  infant  was  nourished,  by  suck- 
ing pieces  of  its  (losh.  When  they  arrived  at  Montreal, 
Johnson  obtained  a  parole,  of  two  months,  to  return  and 
folicit  the  means  of  redemption.  He  appUed  to  the  at- 
•embly  of  New-Hampshire,  and  after  some  delay  obtain- 
ed one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  sterling.  But  the  sea- 
ion  was  so  far  advanced,  and  the  wintei  proved  so  severe, 
that  he  did  not  reach  Canada  till  the  sprang.  Ho  was 
then  charged  with  breaking  his  parole  ;  a  great  part  of 
his  money  was  taken  from  him  by  violenot,  and  he  was 
shut  up  with  his  family  in  prison,  where  they  took  the 
small  pox,  which  they  happily  survived.  After  oij^^ieen 
months,  the  woman,  with  her  »ister  and  two  daughte.*", 
were  sent  in  a  cartel  ship  to  England,  &ni^  thence  re 
turned  to  Boston.  Johnson  wrr  kept  in  prison  three 
years,  and  then,  with  his  son,  returned  and  met  his  wif^ 
in  Boston,  where  be  had  the  singular  ill  fortune  to  be 
suspected  of  designs  unfriendly  to  hir  country^  and  was 
again  imprisoned  ;  but  no  evidence  being  produced 
against  him,  he  was  liberated.  Hif^  eldest  daughter  was 
retained  in  a  Canadian  nunnery. 

Soon  after  this,  a  party  from  St.  Francis  made  s.^  '^ 
attacks  upon  the  western  frontier  of  New-Hair|>!»tjire, 
and  committed  many  savage  acts  at  Keene,  Walpole, 
and  other  places  in  that  vicinity.  They  afterwards,  be- 
it]g  joined  by  other  Indians,  made  an  assault  on  the  gar- 
rison of  John  Kilburn,  in  which  were  himself,  John 
Peak,  o  boys  and  some  women  ;  who  bravely 
fend«  i':.")  house,  and  r'jliged  the  enemy  to  retirej  with 
considu.  abl^j  loss.  -*    -, 

The  defence  of  Kilburn's  garris'^n  was  one  of  the 
most  heroic  and  suceessvil  efforts  of  personal  courage 
and  Vft  ir  recorded  in  t^t-  anna!.H  of  Indian  warfare.    The 


_**, 


] 


I 


168 


INDIAN    WAftli. 


numbnr  of  Iiulinns  was  about  two  hundred,  aguinst  whomj 
John  Kilburn,  liis  son  John,  in  hia  eighteenth  year,  John 


Peak 


tnd  h 


a  wi 


thu  wife  arid  daughter  of  Kilburn, 
were  obli""CHi  to  « .  htcnd  for  their  lives.  The  leader  of 
the  Indiana,  named  Philip,  was  well  acquainted  with 
Kilburn,  and  having  approached  near  the  garrison  and 
secured  himself  behind  a  tree,  called  out  to  those  in  tho 
house  to  surrender.  *'  Old  John,  young  John,"  said  he, 
"1  know  you,  come  ou^  }'?i.  .  »v(j  give  you  good  quar- 
ter." "  Quarter,"  vociferated  Kilburn,  with  a  voico  of 
thunder,  "you  black  rascals  be  gone,  or  we'll  quarter 
}ou."  The  Indians  soon  rushed  forward  to  the  attack, 
bit  were  repulsed  by  Kilburn  and  his  men,  who  were 
aided  by  the  females  in  running  bullets  and  in  loading 
their  guns,  of  which  they  had  several  in  the  house.  All 
the  afternoon,  one  incessant  firing  was  kept  up  till  near 
sundown,  whei)  the  Indians  began  to  disappear  ;  and  as 
the  sun  sunk  behind  the  western  hills,  the  sounil  of  th<^ 
guns  and  the  cry  of  the  war  whoop  died  away  "n  silence. 
Peak,  by  an  imprudent  exposure  befote  the  port  hole, 
received  a  bull  in  his  hip,  whieh,  for  want  of  surgical  aid) 
proved  fatal  on  the  fifth  day. 

The  New-Hampshire  soldiers  had  become  so  noted 
for  hardy  courage  and  agility,  so  habituated  to  fatigue 
and  danger,  and  so  well  acquainted  with  the  Indian  mode 
of  warfare,  that  by  the  express  desire  of  Lord  Louden, 
three  rangiA;^  companies  v  ere  formed  of  them.  They 
were  eminently  useful  in  scouring  the  woods,  procuring 
intelligence,  and  skirmishing  with  detached  parties  of 
the  enemy.  These  compri.\ies  were  afterwards  formed 
into  one  body,  and  were  called  Rogers's  Rangers. 
Maj.  Robert  Rogers  being  appointed  to  the  command, 
and  in  which  John  (ark,  afterwards  the  hero  of 
Bennington,  was  capi  )   e  had  been  iaken  by  the 

Indians,  anu  was  for  pcmc  time  a  prisoner  ampng  them^ 
but  had  fortunately  made  his  escape.. 

Maj.  Rygcrs  was  an  officer  of  daring  courage,  and 
indefp.tigablo  in  the  execution  of  all  enterprises  entrusted 
to  him.  He  {idopted  the  plan  of  advancing  against  the 
enemy  in  two  columns  of  single  files,  parallel  to  each 
other,  within  hailing  distance  ;   by  which   means  they 


\- 


V  • 


,M^ 


IITDJAM    WAM< 


100 


whom> 
\  John 
ilburn, 
acier  of 
li  with 
iun  and 
)  in  thu 
said  he, 
d  quar- 
^oico  of 
quarter 
attack, 
10  were 
loading 
ie.     All 
till  near 
and  as 
of  the 
silence, 
rt  hole, 
ical  aid) 

,0  noted 
fatigue 
an  mode 
oudcny 
They 
ocuring 
rties  of 
formed 
angers* 
nimand, 
ihero    of 
by  the 
theni^ 


ige 


and 
trusted 
inst  the 
|to  each 
Ins  they 


were  in  little  danger  from  ambuscades,  or  from  attacks 
in  front,  or  on  cither  flank.  Tiiis  plan  has  since  been 
generally  priicticcd  by  our  commanders,  in  their  wars 
with  the  Indians  ;  and  had  Gen.  Hraddock  adopted  it, 
agreeably  to  VVasiiington's  advice,  he  would  most  proba- 
bly  have  saved  his  army. 

This  corps  of  rangers  were  of  great  service  in  the  de- 
fen(  0  of  our  frontiers  against  tlu^  Trench  and  Indians, 
and  their  daring  exploits  were  the  common  theme  of 
conversation  at  tliat  time  throughout  the  country.  Many 
who  served  in  it  were  afterwaids  commissioned,  and  be- 
came distinguished  olficers  in  the  continental  army  of 
the  revolution. 

During  the  absence  of  Lord  Loudon,  who  had  been 
sent  with  a  large  force  against  Louisburg,  the  main  body 
of  Canadians  and  Iqdians,  under  the  command  of  Mont- 
calm, made  an  attack  on  fort  William  Henry,  command- 
ed by  Col.  Monroe,  a  British  officer.  Gen.  Webb  at 
this  tjino  lay  at  fort  I'idward,  with  the  main  army,  con- 
sisting principally  of  provincial  troops.  The  force  under 
Col.  Monroe  consisted  of  two  thousand  and  two  hundred 
regulars  and  provincials  ;  four  hundred  and  fprly-ninc 
of  whom  were  posted  in  the  fort,  and  the  reqnainder  in  a 
ibrlifiod  camp,  on  the  eminence  where  fort  George  was 
subsequently  built.  The  siege,  which  was  continued  for 
six  days,  was  vigorously  pressed,  and  IVJonroe  defended 
his  fort  and  fortified  camp  with  spirit ;  but  having  burst 
many  of  his  guns  and  mortars,  ipnd  expended  most  of  his 
ammunition,  he  was  compelled  to  surrender.  A  capitu- 
lation was  signed  on  the  ninth,  by  which  the  froops  were 
allowed  to  retain  their  arms,  and  vere  to  be  escorted  to 
fort  Edward. 

Soon  after  the  capitulation  was  signed,  a  detachment 
of  the  French  army  took  possession  of  Monroe's  works. 
About  the  same  time  the  Jndians  rushed  over  the  para- 
pets, and  began  to  plunder  such  small  articles  as  they 
oould  seize  with  impunity,  and  at  length  commencefl 
their  depredations  on  the  officers'  baggage.  To  prevent 
the  Indians  from  becoming  intoxicated,  the  whole  pf  the 
remaining  liquor,  both  in  the  fort  and  camp,  wqs  stoye. 

Col.  Monroe  percjeiving  their  conduct,  gave  orders  fj^r 

22  ,.  •         .  .'.^ 


.{T^ 


-^t 


rp*" 


170 


INDIAN    WARf. 


marching  about  midnight,  nnd  nt  the  time  assigned  t!i« 
troops  were  drawn  up  nnd  put  in  motion  ;  but  being  in- 
formed that  a  large  body  of  the  savages  were  on  the  road, 
for  the  purpose  of  interceptiug  the  march,  gave  orders 
for  the  troops  to  return  to  camp,  where  they  continued 
without  shelter  until  the  next  morning  ;  the  Indians  in 
the  mean  time  hovering  about  the  lines,  indicating  their 
savage  designs. 

Early  the  next  morning,  the  troops  were  ordered  to 
prepare  for  the  march  ;  but  it  was  observed  that  the  In- 
dians indicated  more  ferocity  than  in  the  preceding  night, 
each  carrying  a  tomahawk,  or  other  weapon  of  death, 
in  his  hand  ;  and  they  continued  to  plunder  the  baggage 
of  the  of^ccrs.  Col.  Monroe  complained  of  a  breach  of 
the  articUs  of  capitulation,  but  to  no  etfcct  fie  was 
told  by  the  French  officers,  that  the  savages  might  bo 
appeased  by  giving  up  the  private  property  of  the  troops  ; 
to  which  he  consented,  and  the  plan  was  generally  adopt- 
ed. But  the  blood  thirsty  tigers  were  not  so  ensily 
glutted.  They  soon  seized  the  officers'  hats,  guns  and 
swords,  and  violently  forced  off  tlieir  clothing,  in  some 
instances  not  sparing  even  their  shirts,  and  this  was 
soon  followed  by  a  scene  which  beggars  description. 
They  rush«^d  upon  the  sick  and  woundod,  whom  they 
butchered  and  scalped,  in  the  presence  of  the  troops  ;  the 
negroes,  mulattoes  and  friendly  Indians  were  next  dragged 
from  the  ranks,  and  shared  the  same  fate  ;  one  of  the 
latter  they  burnt  to  death.  At  length,  with  great  diffi- 
culty, the  troops  left  the  intrenched  camp,  but  without 
the  promised  escort,  and  had  barely  cleared  it,  when  the 
rear  of  the  column  was  attacked,  and  many  killed  and 
scalped,  withoutdiscrimination.  Monroe  then  brought 
the  troops  to  a  halt,,  but  in  great  confusion  As  soon  as 
the  men  in  front  perceived  the  danger  in  the  rear,  they 
pressed  forward  until  they  reached  a  French  guard  at  la 
Corne's  camp,  followed  by  the  savages,  who  continued 
their  murders  by  stabbing,  tomahawking  and  scalping 
all  within  their  power.  The  ivomen  accompanying  the 
troops,  unable  to  resist,  were  seized,  their  throats  cut, 
their  bodies  ripped  open,  and  their  bowels  torn  out  and 
thrown  in  their  faces  ;  the  children  were  taken  by  the 


IttblAN    WARB. 


ITl 


iption. 
they 
;  the 
ragged 
of  the 
it  diffi- 
ithout 
jen  the 
d  and 
irought 
oon  as 
they 
d  at  la 
tinued 
calping 
ng  the 
ts  cut, 
ut  and 
by  the 


i 


^ooIk,  and  their  bruins  dashed  out  nga'intt  rocks  and 
treus  ;  and  it  is  stated  that  many  of  the  savages  drank 
the  hearts  bluc>d  of  their  victims,  as  it  flowed  reeking 
from  the  horrid  wounds. 

IVotection  was  now  demanded  from  the  French  guard, 
but  it  was  refused,  and  ti)e  unfortunate  troops  were  told 
that  they  must  scatter  in  the  woods,  and  seek  their  own 
safety.  Finding  no  other  alternative,  they  rushed  dei- 
perately  through  the  savages,  attempting  to  escape  by 
flight,  but  being  pursued,  many  were  tomahawked,  whila 
others  were  so  fortunato  us  to  outstrip  their  pursuers, 
and  to  reach  fort  Edward,  but  in  a  horrible  plight,  after 
secreting  themselves  through  the  following  night,  in  the 
thick  woods  and  swamps,  stripped  even  to  nudity.  Col. 
Monroe,  and  several  of  his  oflicers  and  men,  were  earned 
back  to  the  French  camp,  where  they  remained  until  an 
escort  was  furnished  them  to  fort  Edward. 

During  these  horrid  transactions,  the  French  troops 
remained  idle  spectators  of  the  scene.  La  Corne,  who 
had  great  influence  among  the  savages,  probably  fore- 
seeing the  massacre,  immediately  after  the  capitulation 
was  signed,  sent  for  Col.  Frye,  commanding  the  Massa- 
chusetts regiment,  and  informed  him  that  he  well  re- 
membered the  humanity  he  had  shown  to  his  coumtrym'"^ 
in  Nova  Scotia  ;  that  he  should  embrace  the  present  (  :• 
|)ortunity  to  express  bis  gratitude,  and  reward  his  hu- 
manity ;  and  that  neither  he,  nor  any  of  the  Massachu- 
setts troops,  should  receive  msult  or  injury  from  the 
Indians.  Uut  during  the  whc-le  transaction,  ho  kept  at 
a  distance,  nor  did  he  send  a  party  to  afford  the  promised 
protection,  or  use  his  intluence  to  moderate  the  ven- 
geance of  the  Indians. 

On  receiving  intelligence  of  the  capitulation.  Gen. 
Webb  ordered  five  hundred  men  to  meet  the  French 
escort,  and  conduct  the  captured  troops  into  his  camp ; 
but  to  his  surprise,  instead  of  meeting  the  escort,  the 
captives  were  discovered  flying  through  the  "woods  singly 
or  in  small  parties,  in  the  greatest  distress  and  conster- 
nation ;  many  exhibiting  the  horrid  cuts  of  the  knife  and 
tomahawk,  and  some  in  a  state  of  delirium,  and  &$ar^ 
exhausted.  '•>  V  . 


7 


%t 


ft 


I 


I7i 


iNdixn  waas. 


The  individual  exploits  of  several  of  the  captives  may 
not  be  uninteresting.  In  the  confusion  consequent  upon 
the  attack  upon  the  .defenceless  troops,  an  Indian  chief 
seized  Cbl.  Frje,  plundered  and  stripped  him  of  his 
clothes,  even  to  his  shirt,  and  then  led  him  into  the  woods 
in  a  direction  and  manner  which  left  no  doubt  as  to  the 
design  of  the  ferocious  chief.  Arriving  at  a  secluded  spot 
where  the  colonel  expected  to  meet  his  fate,  he  deter* 
mined  to  make  one  effort  for  his  life,  and  roused  by  des- 
peration, with  no  other  arms  than  those  nature  gave  him, 
ne  sprang  upon  the  savage,  overpowered  and  killed  him 
on  the  spot,  and  fleeing  rapidly  into  a  thick  wood,  he 
eluded  the  search  of  the  other  Indians.  After  wandering 
in  various  diitctions  for  several  days,  subsisting  wholly  on 
whortleberries,  he  reached  fort  Edward,  and  joined  his 
Suffering  companions. 

Capt.  Juhn  Burk,  of  Frye's  regiment,  was  seized,  and 
after  a  violent  struggle,  stripped  of  the  whole  o(  his 
clothes,  and  afterwards  escaped  into  the  woods.  Straying 
in  various  directions,  he  was  overtaken  by  darkness  in  the 
margin  of  a  morass,  and  unable  to  direct  his  course,  lay 
down  in  the  thick  grass  and  passed  the  night,  covered 
only  by  the  damp  vapor  of  the  swamp.  The  next  day  h^ 
fenewe'd  his  march,  and  fortunately  arrived  safely  at  fort 
Edward. 

At  the  time  Col.  Monroe  consented  to  the  delivery  of 
the  private  baggage  to  the  Indians,  as  has  been  related, 
Lieul.  Selah  Barnard,  another  of  Frye's  officers,  having 
with  him  a  small  trunk  containing  his  effects,  resolutely 
determined  not  to  part  wiih  it,  unless  by  force.  'J  he 
trunk  soon  attracted  the  attention  of  the  savages,  and  two 
stout  fellows  approaching  to  seize  it,  the  lieutenant  spring- 
ing upon  it,  threatened  them  with  instant  death  if  they 
persisted  in  their  design,  and  foV  some  time  held  the  trunk 
from  their  grasp.  At  length  others  coming  up,  he  was 
seized  by  each  arm  by  two  savages,  plundered,  and  led 
6ff,  as  he  supposed,  to  be  butchered.  Being  athletic, 
and  remarkably  nervous  in  his  arms,  rousing  his  whole 
stren^h,  he  sent  them  in  different  directions,  antl  by  a 
rapid  flighN;  rejoined  his  fellow  sufferers.  'I  he  savages  re- 
turned and  took  possession  of  the  trunk,  and  submitted  to 


%■  ■ » 


-»'^', 


I  INDIAN    WARS; 


I7J 


3ry  of 
lated, 
aving 
iitely 
'Ihe 
two 
)ring- 
they 
runk 
3  was 
led 
letic, 
hole 
by  a 
es  re- 
ed to 


his  escape;  and  he  reached  foit  Edward  without  further 
misfortune. 

Capt.  Jon«thaii  Carver,  of  the  same  regiment,  after  be- 
ing stripped  of  his  clothes,  broke  from  the  savages  and  re- 
gained a  body  of  his  companions.  In  attempting  after- 
wards to  escape  through  the  woods,  he  was  again  seized,^ 
and  led  off  towards  a  swamp  by  two  Indians ;  an  L^.nglish 
gentleman  happening  to  pass  by,  one  of  the  Inuians,  re- 
linquished his  hold  and  seizing  the  gentleman,  who  prov- 
ing too  strong,  threw  him  upon  the  ground,  on  which  the 
other  Indian  (lew  to  the  assist.lnce  of  his  comrade,  and 
the  captain  seizing  the  opportunity,  er caped,  and  after  two 
or  three  days,  arrived  at  fort  Kdward. 

The  number  that  fell  in  the  massacre  has  not  been,  ac- 
curately ascertained.  Dr.  Belknap  says  the  New-Hamp- 
shire regiment  lost  eighty  out  of  two  hundred,  but  these 
being  in  the  reu'^  suffered  more  severely  than  other  regi- 
ments. •  Captain  Carver  estimates  the  whole  loss  at  fifteeil 
hundred  ;  but  this  is  evidently  an  exaggeration.  In  a 
letter  from  a  gentlemm  in  Albany,  inserted  in  the  London 
Magazine  for  1757,  the  number  is  much  diminished. 
From  a  comparison  of  all  the  accounts  that  have  reached 
us,  it  is  probable  that  the  whole  number  massacred  and 
carried  off  by  the  savages  whlh  less  than  three  hundred. 

After  Gen.  Amherst  had  taken  command  of  the  English 
and  provincial  forces,  they  were  eminently  successful ; 
and  had  taken  from  the  French  all  their  strong  works  on 
Lake  Champlain.  The  capture  of  these  important  posts 
immediately  relieved  the  frontiers  of  New-England  from 
incursions  from  the  western  quarter ;  and  a  general  joy 
spread  through  the  long  distressed  colonres.  Crown  Point 
had  been  in  the  possession  of  the  French  for  irearly  thirty 
years,  and  from  that  place  predatory  parties  had  issued, 
and  involved  the  frontiers  of  Massachusetts  and  New- 
Hampshire  in  blood  and  slaughter ;  and  numerous  were 
the  prisoners  who  had  there  suffered  the  disgraceful  and 
cruel  treatment  of  the  savages.  One  other  post  from 
which  the  colonies  of  New-Hampshiie  and  Massachusetts 
had  suffered  similar  cruelties,  still  remained  in  the' hands 
T)f  the  enemy.  This  was  the  village  of  St.  Francis,  situ- 
ated at  the  mouth  of  the  river   of  that  name,  between 


m 


"'"«ltip»'' 


174 


INDIAN    WAllS. 


k  i 


I ) 

ill 

>4 


i 

It 


Montreal  iiiu\  Quebec.  From  its  easy  communication  willi 
the  upper  part  of  Connecticut  livcr,  this  place  had  long 
been  a  i'ocus  of  murder  and  deva'itation,  and  many  a  cap- 
tive had  there  sufiRjred  barbarities  intolerable,  and  the 
place  was  loaded  with  the  plunder  of  the  English  colo- 
nies. Gen.  Amhersv  now  resolved  to  put  an  end  to  these 
barbarities,  by  destroying  the  place.  Maj.  Rogers,  whd 
had  so  ably  and  frcqux^ntly  distinguished  himself  as  a  par- 
tisan, during  the  war,  was  selected  for  the  arduous  ser-- 
vice,  willi  his  hardy  rangers  and  a  deiachmenl  of  regular 
troops. 

To  prevent  a  discovery  of  the  expedition,  it  was  kept 
Unofoundly  secret  from  the  army  ;  and  in  the  preceding 
day's  orders,  Rogers  had  been  destined  to  the  command 
of  a  party  to  march  in  a  different  direction,  while  he  had 
private  orders  to  proceed  directly  to  St.  Francis. 

In  pursuance  of  his  orders,  Maj.  Rogers  left  Crown 
Point  in  the  evening,  on  board  of  whale  boats,  and  pro- 
ceeded down  the  lake,  on  his  adventurous  expedition. 
The  distance  to  Missisque  bay  was  not  far  short  of  one 
hundred  miles,  and  as  parties  of  the  enemy  were  often  on 
the  lake,  the  greatest  circumspection  was  required  to 
avoid  a  discovery.  The  fifth  day  after  his  departure, 
'being  encamped  on  the  east  shore,  a  keg  of  gun  powdet 
accidentally  took  fire,  and  »^'ounded  Capt.  Williams  and 
several  men,  whom  Rogers  sent  back,  with  part  of  the 
detachment  to  C-own  Point,  which  reduced  his  number 
to  one  hundred  and  forty-two,  including  officers.  Pursu- 
ing his  voyage,  Rogers  arrived  at  Missisque  bay  on  the 
twentieth,  without  discovery,  where  he  secreted  his  boats, 
and  provisions  sufiicient  for  his  men  on  their  return,  under 
the  bank  of  a  creek,  overhung  with  brush,  and  left  two 
trusty  Indians  to  watch  them,  with  orders,  should  the 
boats  be  discovered  by  the  enemy,  to  follow  his  trail,  and 
^iv^  him  the  information. 

The  country  between  the  bay  and  St.  Francis  village 
was  covered  with  woods,  and  intersected  by  swamps  and 
rivulets ;  but  notwithstanding  these  impediments,  Rogers 
prossc^  his  march  wi"h  considerable  expedition.  'I  he 
second  day  after  quitting  the  boats,  the  two  Indians,  who 
h;id  been  left  to  watch  them,  came  up  with  Rogers,  and 


{"** 


INDIAN    WAnS. 


Its 


1  wilVi 
I  long 
a  cap- 
id  the 
1  colo- 
)  these 
s,  whd 
a  par- 
is  ser-- 
regular 

IS  kept 
iceding 
mniand 
he  had 

Crown 
nd  pro- 
edition, 
of  on© 
>ften  on 
ired  to 
larture, 

owdet 
ms  and 

of  the 
number 

Pursu- 

on  the 
s  boats, 

,  under 
eft  two 
mid  the 
rail,  and 

s  village 
mps  and 
Rogers 
■1.  'Ihe 
ns,  who 
crs,  and 


informed  him  that  four  hundred  French  and  Indian*  had 
discovered  and  taken  possession  of  the  boats,  and  that  two 
hundred  were  in  rapid  pursuit  on  his  trail.  The  intelli- 
gence was  embarrassing,  and  the  circumstances  of  the  de- 
tachment critical.  But  fertile  in  resources,  Rogers  de- 
vised means  to  overcome  his  difficulties,  and  to  prosecute 
his  expedition.  Lieut.  M'Mullen  and  ten  men  were  de- 
tached, with  orders  to  proccud  through  the  vvoods  to 
Crown  Point,  to  inform  Gen.  Amherst  of  the  misfortune, 
and  to  request  him  to  forward  provisions  from- Charles- 
town,  up  tho  Connecticut,  to  the  mouth  of  Great  Ammo- 
noosuc  rivel',  near  Coos  intervals,  hy  which  route  Rogers 
proposed  to  reiurn,  after  the  destruction  of  the  Indian  vil- 
lage, as  ordered.  He  then  renewed  his  march,  resolving 
to  outstrip  his  pursuers ;  but  was  much  retarded  by  the 
sunken  nature  of  the  country,  which  in  many  places  was 
covered  with  water  mid-leg  deep,  and  often  a  spruce  bog, 
in  which  it  became  necessary  to  prepare  a  sort  of  ham- 
mock, from  the  boughs  of  trees,  to  enable  the  men  to  re» 
pose  at  night ;  and  this,  after  a  hard  day's  march,  contin-r 
ued  from  early  dawn  until  darkness  commenced. 

The  tenth  day  after  leaving  the  bay,  Rogers  struck  St. 
Francis  river,  about  fifteen  miles  above  ihe  village,  and 
with  some  difficulty  forded  it,  where  the  water  was  five 
feet,  and  running  in  a  rapid  current.  The  ground  now 
being  firm,  the  march  was  pressed  with  celerity,  and  on 
the  fourth  of  October,  at  eight  ia  the  evening,  Rogers 
came  within  sight  of  the  village,  halted,  and  directed  hi? 
men  to  refresh  themselves,  while  he  with  Lieut.  Turner 
and  Ensign  Avery,  reconnoitred  the  place.  The  Indians 
were  found  in  a  high  frolic  or  dance,  and  appeared  to  en- 
tertain no  apprehensions  of  an  enemy  in  the  vicinity. 
Returning  to  his  men  about  two  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
Rogers  marched  them  within  five  hundred  yards  of  the 
village,  lightened  them  of  their  packs,  and  prepared  for 
the  attack.  It  was  now  about  three  o'clock,  and  an  hour 
after,  tue  Indians  broke  up  their  dance,  and  retired  to 
their  cabins  for  repose,  and  all  was  calm  in  the  village. 
Vbout  half  an  hour  before  sunrising,  the  troops  advanced 
in  three  divisions,  and  made  simultaneous  attacks  in  as 
many  directions.     The  Indians  were  completely  surprised, 


K        I 


.^ 


170 


INDIAN    WARI. 


and  incapable  of  much' resistiuue, 

le  of  attack  on  similar  occasions, 


•e.  Well  acquainted  \vith 
the  Indian  mode  of  attack  on  similar  occasions,  the  rangers 
dealt  death  and  destruction  in  all  directions,  and  with  un- 
sparing hands.  Nor  was  it  possible  to  distinguish  age  or 
sex,  and  an  indiscriminate  butchery  followed,  in  the  true 
savage  &ty\e.  Manj  were  killed  in  their  cabins,  others 
attempting  to  fly, Were  shot  or  knocked  on  the  head,  and 
few  escaped.  At  sunrise  the  scene  was  truly  horrible, 
and  but  for  the  sight  of  six  or  seven  hundred  of  the  scalps 
of  their  countrymen,  suspended  upon  poles,  and  waving 
in  the  air,  the  trophies  of  the  former  cruelty  of  the  In- 
dians, the  assail.mts  would  have  been  excited  lo  pity. 
This  horrid  spectacle  added  new  vigor,  and  sympathy  for 
the  sufferers  found  no  place  in  the  breasts  of  the  rangers, 
and  in  too  many  instances  they  continued  to  despatch 
vyomeu  and  chijldren  indiscriminately  ;  and  a  general  con- 
flagration of  the  cabins  ended  the  scene,  about  seven 
o'clock  in  the  morning.  Out  of  about  three  hundred  in- 
habitants of  the  place,  two  hundred  were  killed  ;  twenty 
women  and  children  captured,  and  five  English  prisoners, 
residing  in  the  village,  set  free  ;  but  most  of  the  women 
and  children  were  soon  liberated. 

The  village  appeared  to  have  lieen  in  a  very  flourishing 
condition.  Many  of  the  cabins  were  well  furnished,  and 
the  church  was  handsomely  adorned  with  plate,  and  the 
whole  place  had  been  enriched  by  the  scalps  and  plunder 
taken  from  the  English  in  the  various  wars.  Two  hun- 
dred guineas  were  (bund  in  money,  and  a  silver  image, 
weighing  ten  pounds,  besides  a  large  quantity  of  wampum, 
clothing,  and  some  provisions. 

On  assembling  his  troops,  Rogers  found  Capt.  Ogden 
and  six  privates  wounded,  and  one  Stockbridge  Indian 
killed ;  and  after  an  hour's  rest,  to  refresh  his  men  and 
collect  the  provisions  remaining  in  the  village,  he  com- 
menced his  march  up  the  St.  Francis,  and  by  Memphre- 
magog  lake,  for  Coos,  on  Connecticut  river.  'I'he  de- 
tachment continued  in  a  body  eight  days,  at  the  expiration 
of  which  the  provisions  were  entirely  expended,  and  Rogers 
found  it  necessary  to  divide  into  several  parties,  that  the 
men  might  mor«  easily  procure  subsistence  by  hunting, 
giving  them  orders  to  assemble  at  the  junction  of  the  great 


Ogden 
Indian 
Ml  and 
0  cnin- 
niphre- 
he  de- 
)i  ration 
[Rogers 
hat  the 
|unling, 
le  great 


<f 


m 


IJIDIAN   WARS... 


177 


Ammonoosuc  and  Connecticut  rivers,  where  he  expected 
to  find  provisions  forwarded  by  order  of  Gen.  Araherst. 

Two  days  after  separating,  a  party  under  Ensign 
Avery  was  overtaken  by  the  pursuing  Indians,  and  seven 
naptured,  but  two  fortunately  escaped.  Another  party 
©f  about  twenty,  under  Lietenants  Dunbar  and  Turner, 
wa9  attacked,  and  tho  principal  part  killed  or  taken,  in- 
cluding the  two  oflicers.  The  parly  under  Rogers,  after 
several  days  of  fatiguing  march,  and  in  a  state  of  starva- 
tion, reached  Coos  meadows,  where  he  entertained  little 
doubts  of  meeting  with  ample  supplies  of  provisions,  but 
hfere  he  was  disappointed.  Provisions  had  been  sent  to 
that  place  by  Amherst's  orders,  under  on  officer  and 
party  of  men  from  Charlestown,  but  after  remaining 
several  days  without  meeting  Rogers,  or  gaining  intelli- 
gence of  his  party,  they  had  returned  down  |ihe  river 
only  a  few  hours  before  Rogers  arrived  at  the  place,  and 
their  fires  were  found  stil}  burning  where  they  had  en- 
camped. 

Reduced  to  this  deplorable  situation,  and  little  or  no 
game  io  be  found  in  the  woods,  Rogers  had  recourse  to 
ground  nuts  and  liily  rootSj  which  were  collected,  boiled 
to  a  mucillaginous  consistence,  resembling  soup,  and 
dealt  out  to  the  men,  fuid  this  was  found  to  preserve  V\te  ; 
but  a  future  supoly  was  precarious,  and  little  prospect 
remained  of  reaching  Charlestown  before  they  should 
famish.  Rogers  at  length  contrived  to  construct  a  raft 
of  dry  pines,  on  which  he,  with  Capt.  Ogden,  one  ranger 
and  a  captive  boy,  embarked  and  iloated  down  the  Con^ 
necticut,  Ica'^nng  Lieut.  Grant  in  command  pf  the  re- 
maining party.  At  White  river  falls,  x\\i.  raft  was 
unfortunately  lost,  and  a  new  one  construqted  by  the 
slow  proQCss  of  burning  down  trees,  and  separating  tjiem 
into  logs  of  a  proper  length.  .  With  much  difficulty  the 
raft  was  conducted  over  Waterqueechy  falls,  and  after 
nieeting  many  other  crabarrassujcnts,  and  passing  other 
rapids,  they  arrived  near  Charlestown,  where  they  wer^ 
relieved  by  son^e  peopjp  wKo  were  out  from  that  place 
cutting  timber,  and  conducted  to  the  town.  Canoes 
loaded  witli  provisions  were  immediately  sent  up  the 
river  for  tije  relief  of  the  other  sidfurersj  who  arrived  at 

'23  -     ■  "■ 


^- 


i 


178 


IlfDIAFf    WARS. 


Tarions  points  on  the  river  in  a  starving  condition,  aftei*- 
having  lost  many  in  the  woods.  A  fevtr  reached  Crown 
Point,  subsisting  wholly  on  roots  and  game  procured  on 
the  route. 

After  collecting  his  scattering  survivors  at  Charles- 
town,  Rogers  marched  for  Crown  Point,  where  he  ar- 
rived the  first  of  December,  and  joined  Gen.  Amherst^s 
army.  The  whole  loss  of  the  detachment,  after  leaving 
the  ruins  of  St.  Francis,  v,'as  three  officers  and  forty-six 
non-commissioned  officers  and  privates.  In  relating 
their  individual  sufferings,  one  of  the  rangers  stated  that 
the  party  to  which  he  was  attached,  having  expended 
th«  la«t  morsel  of  food,  was  on  the  point, of  starvation, 
when  fortunately  an  owl  was  discovered  perolied  upon  a 
tree.  Instantly  the  bird  was  brought  down  by  the  eac;er« 
shot  of  several  of  the  men,  dissected  and  distributed  by 
the  well  known  method  of  *'  Who  shall  have  this  ?" 
He  shared  a  leg,  which  he  devoured  without  cooking, 
and  by  this  refreshment,  the  party  were  enabled  to  con-^ 
tinue  the  march,  and  at  length  arrived  withQut  the  loss 
of  a  man. 

During  the  operations  of  Amherst  at  lake  Champlain, 
Gen.  Wolf,  with  about  eigljt  thousand  men,  sailed  from 
Louisbur^,  under  Admirals  Saunders  and  Holmes,  and 
landed  near  Quebec  ;  and  after  many  difficukios  thrown 
in  his  way,  and  a  severe  repulse  at  Montmorency,  he  by 
a  daring  movement  gained  tiie  plains  of  Abraham,  in  the 
vicinity  of  Quebec,  and  brought  Montcalm  to  a  general 
action,  in  which  the  French  were  decisively  defeated, 
and  both  commanders  killed ;  and  a  few  days  subse- 
quently Quebec  surrendered  to  the.  British  arms. 

The  joy  spread  Over  the  colonics,  at  the  conquest  of 
Canada,  is  hardly  to  be  described.  From  the  commence- 
ment of  King  William's  war,  in  1689,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  a  few  short  intervals  to  this  event,  the  frontier 
people  of  the  English  northern  provinces  were  doomed 
to  destruction,  captivity  and  slaughter.  Relieved  from 
their  embarrassments,  they  rcoccupicd  their  plantations, 
and  new  ones  were  commenced,  and  population  began 
to  spread. 


INDIAN  WARS. 


179 


CHAP.  VIII. 


•o 


Remarks  on  indian  iiostilitiics  at  the  cdmmencemen'B  of 
the  war  of  the  revolution,  and  settlement  of  thb 
new-hampshire  grants  in  the  coos  country.  battte  of 
bennington,  with  its  results.  burning  of  royalton. 

After  the  conquest  of  Canada  by  the  English,  in 
\vhich  tlie  New-England  Colonics  were  actively  engaged, 
and  in  whicii  they  bore  a  Inrge  proportion  of  the  burthen, 
l^ndian  depredations  and  attacks  on  our  frontiers  ceased. 
The  inhabitants  were  relieved  from  the  distresses  and 
horrors  of  a  savage  warfare,  in  which  they  had  suffered 
almost  incredible  hardships,  from  the  first  settlement  of 
the  country.  The  enterprising  settlers  could  now  push 
their  fortunes  into  the  wilderness,  fell  the  trees,  and  es- 
tablish themselves  wherever  they  thought  it  would  mosf 
conduce  to  their  comfort  and  prosperity,  and  where  they 
could  pursue  their  labors  in  peace.  The  anxious  mother 
could  now  lay  her  head  upon  her  pillow  and  take  her 
rest,  without  the  fear  of  being  disturbed  by  the  war- 
whoop  of  the  savage  ;  and  was  relieved  from  that  dread- 
ful apprehension  of  danger,  which  caused  her,  when 
awakened  by  the  whistling  of  the  winds  throi^^h  the 
forest,  to  hug  her  infant  closer  to  her  breast. 

Emigrations  now  took  place  rapidly  into  the  wilder- 
ness, in  every  direction.  The  hardy  sons  of  New- 
England  penetrated  the  forests,  and  formed  settlements 
-on  all  the  best  lands  on  the  streams  to  the  north  and  we3t 
of  the  old  settlements,  which  had  before  been  prevented 
by  the  hostilities  of  the  savage  tribes.  Many  new  towns 
had  been  granted,  and  the  most  liberal  terms  offered  for 
their  settlement.  The  wilderness  now  literally  blos- 
somed as  the  rose  ;  and  where,  a  short  time  before,  they 
were  only  inhabited  by  the  savage  beast  of  prey,  or  the 
more  savage  Indian,  were  now  becoming  the  abode  of 
industry,  civilization  and  prosperity.  At  no  period  of 
our  existence  as  a  nation,  has  the  increase  of  populatioa 


\i 


/ 


180 


ifrbiAN  vvAns. 


and  accumulation  of  wealth  been  more  rapid,  than  whai 
took  place  between  the  peace  pf  1763  and  the  com" 
mcncement  of  the  war  of  the  revolution. 

The  most  extensive  and  impolt'tunt  settlements  that 
were  made  at  this  time,  were  in  the  great  valley  of  Con- 
necticut river,  above  Charlestown,  then  called  tl:e  Upper 
Coos,  which  had  hea  till  now  unoccupied,  in  conse- 
quence of  its  having  been  the  principal  thoroughfare  of 
the  French  and  Indians,  in  their  attacks  upon  the  fron- 
tiers of  Massachusetts  and  New-Hampshire  ;  but  in  the 
various  military  expeditions  through  the  country,  our 
people  had  discovered  the  richness  of  the  soil,  and  h 
strong  desire  was  felt  to  get  possession  of  the  land.  The 
governor  of  New-Hampshire  had  previously  caused  in 
survey  of  Connecticut  river  to  bo  made,  for  sixty  miles^ 
and  three  lines. of  townships  on  each  side  to  be  laid  out; 
By  procuring  the  signatures  of  a  certain  number  of  peti- 
tioners f»r  these  townships,  grants  were  readily  obtained, 
on  very  easy  conditions,  which  were  notiiihg  more  than 
to  have  a  certain  number  of  settlers  in  each  town  in  a 
given  time  ;  and  the  expense  to  each  was  only  the  char- 
ter fee,  whieh  was  but  half  a  dollar,  and  this  entitled 
the  original  proprietors  to  three  hundred  and  forty  acres 
of  land. 

These  easy  terms  induced  a  great  nunibcr  from  Mas- 
sachusetts and  Connecticut  io  become  settlers,  and  the 
river  towns  were  soon  taken  .up  by  their  most  industri- 
ous and  enterprising  sons.  New-Hampshire  claimed  the 
jurisdiction  as  far  as  to  within  twenty  miles  of  the  Hud- 
son river,  from  thence  westerly  to  Lake  Champlain,  and 
then  northerly  to  the  45th  degree  of  latitude.  This  was 
disputed  by  New-York,  who  pretended  to  claim  as  far 
east  as  Connerticut  river.  This  dispute,  however,  rather 
facilitated  than  otherwise  the  settlement  of  the  country. 
Both  parties  continued  to  give  grants  of  the  lands,  and 
to  encourage  their  settlement ;  and  the  dispute  was  never 
finally  put  at  rest,  till  the  territory  was  by  act  of  Con- 
gress admitted  into  the  Union  as  an  independent  state, 
under  the  name  of  Vermont.  All  these  towns  that  lie 
between  Connecticut  river  and  the  Green  MountainSj 
\vere  for  many  years  known  only  by  the  name  of  th* 


^^DIAN    WARS. 


1^1 


s  was 
s  far 
ather 
intry. 
,  and 
never 
Con- 
state, 
it  lie 
ainSj 
th« 


New-Hampshire   Grants,   and  acknowledged  no  othdr 
jurirdiction  b-  ,  of  tiiat  colony. 

These  settU  i  cnts  continued  to  prosper  and  increase 
in  po^^ulation  for  several  years,  and  nolhing  took  place 
which  in  the  least  tended  to  retard  lliis  prosperity,  until 
the  commencement  ot  the  revolutionary  stiugglc  between 
the  colonies  and  the  mother  country.  This  event  pro- 
duced a  new  order  of  thm^j.,  throughout  the  country. 
The  inhabitants  of  these  parts  generally  took  sides  with 
the  colonies,  and  were  very  active  and  zealous  in  the 
iikuspi  of  in'dependeC;.e.  Many  of  them,  however,  an^ 
Ifer.jCDg  these  sdme  of  the  r;  'St  respectable  and  wcaUhy, 
vvre  opposed  to  the  separation  from  England.  They 
Were  willing  to  agr6c  not  to  take  part  on  eilliet  sidc< 
und  to  remain  neutral ',  but  this,  und^r  the  popular  feel- 
ings of  the  times,  could  not  le  permitted  ;  for  the  prin- 
ciple adopted  by  the  patriotic  parly  was,  "  Whoever  is 
hot  for  us,  is  against  us."  Those  who  adhered  to  the 
royal  cause  were  stigmatized  hy  the  name  pf  tories,  and 
those  on  the  other  side  st)  led  themselves  whigs  ;  and 
bitter  were  the  feelings  of  animosity  between  the  two 
parties. 

The  tories  were  deprived  ■  '  their  arms,  aiid  many  of 
them  were  thrown  into  prison  ,  taring  and  feathering 
Were  in  some  cases  introduced,  and  their  suffering,  with 
that  of  their  families,  was  very  great.  They  were  finally 
driven  from  the  country,  and  took  refuge  in  Canada, 
where  they  were  protected  by  the  British,  and  furnished 
with  the  means  of  subsistence  Their  feelings  were,  ot 
course,  very  bitter  against  tl::;  whigs,  who  they  consid- 
ered the  cause  of  all  their  sufferings  ;  and  threats  were 
made  that  with  the  assistance  of  the  Canada  Indians, 
they  should  overnin  the  Coos  lOttlement?,  and  take  am- 
ple revenge  for  Ihetr  injuries,  hy  despoiling  the  country. 
These  threats  were  often  received  and  circulated  through 
the  settlements,  which  kept  tiie  inhabitants  in  a  constant 
state  of  alairr.  ;  but  the  country  was  now  too  thickly  in- 
habited and  too  formid'f  '  lo  make  such  an  attempt, 
with  anv  chance  of  succth  '.  'vithout  a  larrje  force,  which 
tjould  not  at  that  time  be  sn.  r*  d. 

The  refugees,  who  wero  dow  in  Canada,  were,  how- 


I 


ill 


/.„ 


%  ^' 


iTT-rrtri.iifi 


k8£ 


INDIAN    WAIIS. 


^. 


i 


'ever,  'V'rmt'''  into  a  regiment,  and  the  cornr^^nd  given  to 
Col.  John  Peters,  a  gontlemirn  wjio  had  uten  conspicu- 
ous among  the  settlers  of  the  Coos  country,  end  from 
which  he  had  been  driven  on  account  of  liis  political 
principles.  This  rejiinieut  was  well  officered  and  armed, 
to  act  as  a  partisan  corps,  and  it  was  intended  that  it 
should  co-operate  with  tlic  Indians,  in  excursions  into 
the  Coos  scttlementtj,  whenever  a  suitable  opportunity 
should  occur.  /  fter  events,  however,  frustrated  all 
these  plans,  and  their  services  proved  to  bo  ol  very  little 
uso  to  the  ca'isc  of  the  Eno;lish,  more  than  to  keep  tiio 
scattered  settlements  in  a  constant  state  of  alarm,  hy 
their  threats  of  revenge. 

The  situation  of  the  whole  country  was  at  this  time 
very  peculiar.  The  declaration  of  independence  had 
dissolved  all  allegiance  to  luiajland,  and  there  had  not 
"been  lime  in  some  sections  of  the  country  to  establish 
•nny  permanent  form  of  government.  This  vsas  particu- 
larly the  case  with  the  New-Hampshire  Grants  ;  for 
their  Ififirorial  jurisdiction  was  in  dispute,  and  they  were 
'under  iliii  necessity  of  forming  a  temporary  system  of 
•governnunt  for  the  time  being.  For  this  purpose  a 
-genel'al  committee  was  appointed,  and  other  committees 
■were  chosen  by  the  people  in  difterent  sections,  who 
were  styled  Committees  of  Safety,  to  whom  was  intrust- 
ed the  whole  management  of  public  aflairs.  Their  au- 
thority was  absolute,  and  the4r  decrees  and  acts  were  the 
only  law  of  the  land.  Though  some  of  their  acts  wera 
rather  arbitrary  and  severe,  particularly  towards  the 
1;ories,  and  from  which  there  was  no  appeal,  yet  their 
orders  were  readily  obeyed  by  the  people.  They  not 
only  took  eflfectual  measures  to  protect  their  own  fron- 
tier, but  provided  large  supplies  for  the  government,  and 
furnished  more  recruits  for  the  army,  than  any  other 
section  of  the  country  of  the  same  numler  of  inhabitanta. 
As  an  evidence  of  this,  one  fac.t  will  be  given  :  that 
when  the  late  pension  law  was  passed  by  Congress,  there 
were  very  few  men  among  them,  who  were  old  enough 
to  bear  arms  in  the  continental  army,  but  what  were  en- 
titled to  a  pension. 

Nothing  of  much  importance  took  place  in  these  pnrts, 


I 


I>DI.»R    WAUS 


18^ 


s  the 
their 
cy  not 
fron- 
it,  and 
other 
itanta. 
that 
, there 
nough 
re  cn- 

p?rts, 


wntit  Gen.  Burgoyne  look  command  of  the  English  army 
ill  Canada,  and  commenced  his  marcdi  to  overrun  and 
conquer  the  coloniis.  He  was  accompanied  by  the 
refugees  and  a  large  IioJy  of  Indians,  who  were  to  act 
as  circumstances  reqiiired,  in  «""ouring   the   country  and 


plundering  the  inhabitants.     .\ 
deroga,  a  plan  was  formed,  at 
to  detach  a  large  (jrce  from 
refugees  and  Indians,  were  t^  | 


..J 


lie  had  taken  Ticon- 

:   quest  of  the  tories^ 

eguhirs,  who,  with  tl»e 

\  to  the  Coos  coun- 

they 


)  sanguine  were 


try,  to  plunder  and  destroy  it ; 

of  success,  that  a  list  of  the  heads  of  families  in  the  prin- 
cipal towns  was  made  out,  and  furnished  for  each  officer 
who  was  to  have  any  command  ;  with  each  one's  (ioom 
marked  against  his  name,  of  those  that  were  to  be  fiaved> 
and  tiiose  that  were  to  be  attacked  and  plundered. 

Information  of  this  plan  being  communicated  to  the 
inhabitants  of  these  settlements,  caused  great  alaro* 
among  them  ;  and  the  committee  of  the  New-Hampshire 
Grants  immediately  wrote,  in  the  most  pressing  terms, 
to  the  Committee  of  Safety  at  Exeter,  for  assistance, 
and  said  that  if  none  should  be  afforded  to  them,  they 
should  be  obliged  to  retreat  to  the  New-England  states 
for  safety.  When  the  news  of  this  affair  readied  New- 
Hampshire,  the  assembly  had  finished  their  spring  ses-« 
slon,  and  returned  home.  A  summons  from  the  commit- 
tee brought  them  together  again  ;  and  in  a  short  session, 
of  three  days  only,  they  took  the  most  effectual  and 
decisive  steps  for  the  defence  of  the  country.  They 
formed  the  whole  militia  of  the  state  into  two  brigades  ; 
of  the  first,  they  gave  the  command  to  William  Whipple, 
and  of  the  second,  to  John  Stark.  They  ordered  one 
fourth  part  of  Stark's  brigade,  and  one  fourth  of  three 
regiments,  of  the  other  brigade,  to  march  fmmediately 
under  his  command,  to  stop  the  progress  of  the  enemy 
on  our  western  frontiers.  They  ordered  the  militia 
officers  to  take  tMvay  arms  from  all  persons  who  scrupled, 
or  refused  to  assist,  in  defending  the  country. 

The  appointment  of  Stark  to  this  command,  with  the 
same  pay  as  a  biigadier  in  the  continental  service,  was 
peculiarly  grateful  to  the  people,  as  well  as  to  himself. 

officers, 


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precedi 


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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14SS0 

(716)  872-4503 


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INDIAN    WARSk 


year,  Poor,  a  junior  officer,  had  been  promoted,  whilst 
he  was  neglected.  He  had  written  on  this  subject  to 
Congress,  and  his  letters  were  laid  on  the  table.  He 
therefore  quitted  the  army,  and  retired  to  his  own  state. 
He  was  now,  by  the  unanimous  voice  of  his  fellow  citi- 
zens, invested  with  a  separate  command,  and  received 
orders  to  repair  to  Charlestown,  on  Connecticut  river ; 
there  to  consult  with  a  committee  of  New-'Hampshirq 
Grants,  respecting  his  future  operations  and  the  supply 
of  his  men  with  provisions  ;  to  take  the  command  of  the 
militia,  and  march  into  the  grants  ;  to  act  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  troops  of  that  new  state,  or  any  other  of 
the  states,  or  of  the  United  States,  or  separately,  as  it 
should  appear  expedieiit  to  him  ;  for  the  protection  of 
the.  people  and  the  annoyance  of  the  enemy. 

In  a  few  days,  he  proceeded  to  Charlestown,  and  as 
fast  as  his  men  arrived,  he  sent  them  forward  to  join  the 
forces  of  the  new  state,  under  Col.  Warner,  who  had 
taken  post  at  Manchester,  twenty  miles  northward  of 
Bennington.  Here,  Stark  joined  bin),  and  met  with 
Gen.  Lincoln,  who  had  been  sent  from  Stillwater,  by 
Gen.  Schuyler,  commander  of  the  northern  department, 
to  conduct  the  militia  to  the  west  side  of  tludson's  river. 
It  Stark  informed  bin)  of  his  orders,  and  of  the  dangec 
which  the  inhabitants  of  the  grants  apprehended  from 
the  enemy;  and  from  their  disaffected  neighbors  ;  that 
•  he  had  consulted  with  the  committee,  and  it  was  the 
determination  of  the  people, 'in  case  he  should  join  the 
continental  army  and  leave  them  exposed,  that  they 
would  retire  to  the  east  of  Connecticut  river  ;  in  which 
case  New-Hampshire  would  be  a  frontier..  He  therefore 
determined  to  remain  on  the  flank  of  the  enemy,  and  to 
watch  their  motions.  For  this  purpose,  he  collected  his 
force  at  Bennipgton,  and  left  Warner  with  his  regiment 
at  Manchester.  A  report  of  this  determination  was 
transrj(^itted  tq  Cqngress,  and  the  orders  on  which  it  was 
founded  were  by  thenj  disapproved  ;  but  the  propriety  of 
it  was  evinced  by  the  si|bsequent  facts. 

Gen.  Burgoyne,  with  the  main  body  of  the  British 
army,  lay  at  fort  Edvvard.  Thence  he  detached  Lieut, 
Pol.  Bautn,  and  about  fifteen  hundred  of  his  Germain 


rifDIAM    WARI. 


186 


ct  to 
He 
state, 
r  citi- 
;eived 
river ; 
pshire 
lupply 
of  the 
ijunc- 
ber  of 
,  as  it 
tion  of 

and  as 
)in  the 
bo  had 
ard  of 
t  with 
|ter,  by 
traent, 
river. 
|d  anger 
(d  from 
;  that 
as  the 
in  the 
X  they 
whicb 
refore 
and  to 
ted  his 
Igiment 
m  was 
it  was 
iety  of 

British 

Lieut, 

lermai^ 


troops,  with  the  refu|:;ee8  and  a  large  body  of  Indians,  to 
pervade  the  grants  as  far  as  Connecticut  river,  with  a 
view  to  phinder  the  country.  He  was  to  persuade  the 
people  among  whom  he  should  pass,  that  his  detachment 
was  the  advanced  guard  of  the  British  army,  which  was 
inarching  to  Boston.  He  was  accompanied  by  Col.  Skecne, 
who  was  well  acquainted  with  the  country. 

The  Indians  who  preceded  this  detachment,  being  dis- 
covered about  twelve  mil^s  from  Bennington,  Stark  de- 
tached Col.  Gregg,  with  two  hundred  men,  to  stop  their 
march.  In  the  evening  of  the  same  day  'he  was  informed 
that  a  body  of  regular  troops,  with  a  train  of  artillery,  was 
in  full  march  for  Bennington..  The  next  morning  he 
marched  with  his  whole  brigade,  apd  some  of  the  militia 
of  the  grants,  to  support  Gregg,  who  found  himself  unable 
to  withstand  the  superior  number  of  the  enemy.  Having 
proceeded  about  four  miles,  he  met  Gregg  retreating,  and 
the  main  body  of  the  enemy  pursuing,  within  half  a  mile 
of  his  rear.  When  they  di  covered  Stark's  column,  they 
halted  in  an  advantageous  position ;  and  he  drew  up  his 
men  on  an  eminence  in  open  view,  but  could  not  bring 
them  to  an  engagement.  He  then  marched  back  about 
a  mile  and  encamped,  leaving  a  few  men  to  skirmish  wjth 
them,  who  killed  thirty  of  the  enemy  and  two  of  the  In- 
dian chiefs.  The  next  day  was  rainy.  Stark  kept  his 
positbn,  and  sent  out  parties  to  harrass  the  enemy.  Ma- 
ny of  the  Indians  took  this  opjiortuaity  to  desert,  because, 
as  they  said,  "  the  woods  were  full  of  yankees." 

On  the  following  morning,  Stark  was  joined  by  a  com- 
pany of  militia  from  the  grants,  and  another  from  the 
county  of  Berkshire,  in  Massachusetts.  His  whole  force 
amounted  to  about  sixteen  hundred,  lie  sent  Col.  Nich- 
ols, with  two  hundred  and  fifty  men,  to  the  rear  of  the 
enemy's  left  wing,  and  Col.  Hendrick,  with  three  han-. 
dred,  to  the  rear  of  their  right.  He  placed,  three  hundred 
to  oppose  their  front  and  draw  their  attention.  Thea 
sending  Cols.  Hubbnrd  and  Stickney,  witli  two  hundred, 
to  attack  the  right  wing,  and  one  hundred  more  to  rein- 
force Nichols  in  the  rear  of  their  left,  the  attack  began  in 
that  quarter  precisely  at  three  of  the  clock  in  the  after- 
noon.    It  was  immediately  seconded  by  the  otlier  detach- 


186 


INDIAX   WARS. 


ihents ;  nnd  at  the  same  time,  Stark  himself  advanced  with 
the  main  body.  The  engagement  lasted  two  hours,  at 
the  end  of  which  he  forced  their  breastworiis,  took  two 
pieces  of  brass  cannon  and  a  number  of  prisoners ;  the 
rest  retreated.  • 

Just  at  this  instant  he  received  intelligence  that  another 
body  of  the  enemy  was  within  two  miles  of  him.  This 
was  a  reinforcement  for  which  Baum  had  sent,  when  he 
first  knew  the  force  which  he  \^as  to  oppose.  It  was 
commanded  by  Col.  Breyman.  Happily  VVarner^s  regi- 
ment from  Manchester  came  up  with  them  and  stopped 
them.  Stark  rallied  his  men  and  renewed  the  action ;  it 
was  warm  and  desperate ;  he  used,  with  success,  the  can- 
non which  he  had  taken,  and  at  sunset  obliged  the  enemy 
to  retreat.  He  pursued  them  till  night,  and  then  halted, 
to  prevent  his  own  men  from  killing  each  other  in  the 
dark.  He  took  from  the  enemy  two  other  pieces  of  can- 
non, with  all  their  baggage,  wagons  and  horses.  I  wo 
hundred  and  twenty-six  men  were  found  dead  on  Ihe  field. 
Their  commander,  Baum,  was  taken,  and  died  of  his 
wounds;  besides  whom,  thirty  three  officers  and  above 
seven  hundred  privates,  were  made  prisoners.  Of  Stark *s 
brigade,  four  officers -and  ten  priva*"  *'^  were  killed,  and 
forty-two  were  Wounded. 

In  the  account  of  thisliattle,  whic.i  Stark  sent  to  the 
committee  of  New-Hampshire,  he  said,  "  our  people  be- 
haved with  the  greatest  spirit  and  bravery  imaginable. 
Had  every  man  been  an  Alexander,  or  a  Charles  of  Swe- 
dien,  they  could  not  have  behaved  better."  He  was  sensi- 
ble of  the  advantage  of  keeping  on  the  flank  of  the  enemy's 
main  body,  and  therefore  sent  for  one  thousand  men,  to 
replace  those  whose  time  had  expired,  but  intimated  to 
the  committee  that  he  himself  should  return  with  the  brig- 
ade. They  cordially  thanked  hin^  "  for  the  very  essen- 
tial service  which  he  had  done  to  the  country,'' but  ear- 
nestly pressed  him  to  continue  in  the  command,  and  sent 
him  a  reinforcement,  "assuring  the  men  that  they  were 
to  serve  under  Gen.  Stark."  This  argument  prevailed 
with  the  men  ta  march,  and  with  Stark  to  remain. 

The  prisoners  taken  in  this  batile  were  sent  to  Boston. 
The  trophies  werp  divided  between  J^eyf  Hampshire  and 


1 


jbrig- 


)StOt1. 

and 


\l 


llfDIAlf    WABS. 


187 


Massachusetts.  But  Congress  heard  of  this  victory  by 
accident.  Having  waited  some  time  in  expectation  of 
letters,  and  none  arriving,  inquiry  was  made  why  Stark 
had  not  written  to  congress.*  He  answered  that  his  cor- 
respondence with  them  was  closed,  as  they  had  not  at- 
tended to  his  last  letters.  They  took  the  hint;  and 
though  they  had  but  a  few  days  before,  resolved  that  the 
instructions  which  he  had  received,  were  destructive  of 
military  sulx>rdination,  and  prejudicial  to  the  common 
cause,  yet  they  presented  their  thanks  to  him,  and  to  the 
dfficers  and  troops  under  his  command,  and  promoted  him 
to  the  rank  of  brigadier  general  in  the  army  of  the  Dnited 
States. 

This  victory  ^r^ve  a  severe  check  to  the  hopes  of  the 
enemy,  and  raised  the  spirits  of  the  people  after  long  de- 
pression. It  wholly  changed  the  face  of  affairs  in  the 
northern  department.  Instead  of  disappointment  and  re- 
treat, and  the  loss  of  men  by  hard  lal)or  and  sickness,  we 
were  now  convinced,  not  only  that  our  militia  could  Aght 
without  being  covered  by  intrenchments,  but  that  they 
were  able,  even  without  artillery,  to  cope  with  regular 
troops  in  their  intrenchments.  The  success  thus  gained, 
was  regarded  as  a  good  omen  of  further  advantages. 
^*  Let  us  get  them  into  the  woods,'*  was  the  languiige  of 
the  whole  country. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  New-Hampshire  grants  were 
relieved  by  this  decisive  battle  from  all  fears  of  an  inva- 
sion from  any  considerable  force  of  the  enemy.  The 
hopes  of  the  tories  were  now  completely  blasted,  and 
their  hopes  of  revenge  by  overrunning;  the  country,  were 
at  an  end.  Hut  still  they  were  enabled  to  keep  the  peo- 
ple in  a  constant  state  of  alarm,  by  their  threats'  to  bring 
the  savage  foe  in  detached  parties  among  them,  to  plun- 
der the  settlements,  and  carry  into  ca()tivity  such  of  the 
leading  men  among  the  patriots  of  the  day,  as  they  cpn- 
sidere  I  to  be  the  cause  of  their  sufferings,  in  being  forcied 
to  leave  the  country.  .•    ^ 

This  state  of  things  continued  for  a  considerable  length 
of  time.  Small  bodies  of  Indians  were  frequently  known 
to  be  provvling  about  the  settlements,  concealing  them- 
selves in  the  woods  during  thw  day  time,  and  at  night 


IM 


IHDlAN    WAAI. 


committing  depredations  by  plundering  and  destroying 
property ;  but  no  attack  was  made  upon  the  inhabitants. 
it  was  Vveil  known  at  the  time  that  their  principal  ob  ect 
Ivas  to  take  captive  and  carry  to  Canada,  certain  leading 
men,  who  were  the  most  influential  and  active  in  main- 
taining the  cause  of  independence*  for  each  of  whom  they 
were  to  receive  a  large  reward.  Every  man  was  obliged 
to  keep  himself  well  armed,  and  ne«er  suffer  himself  to 
sleep  without  a  loaded  gun  standing  by  his  bed ;  and 
many  of  those  who  had  reason  to  believe  themselves  to 
be  marked  as  victims  for  captivity,  dared  not  »\eep  in  their 
own  houses,  but  for  safety  were  compelled  to  change 
their  place  of  rest  every  night,  sleeping  in  barns  and  other 
places  of  concealment. 

No  adequate  means  could  be  adopted  to  guard  the  in- 
habitants against  these  dangers,  for  they  were  so  scattered 
that  it  would  bjB  impossible  to  collect  a  number  sufficient 
to  afford  protection  to  such  an  extensive  frontier,  every 
point  of  which  was  equally  liable  to  be  attacked  by  the 
enemy.  Each  one  was,  therefore,  obliged  to  depend  on 
himself,  with  the  assistance  of  his  neighbors,  to  repel  any 
assault  that  might  be  made  upon  him  by  the  Indians. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  took  every  means  in  their  pow- 
er to  afford  assistance  and  jirotection  to  the  inhabitants. 
A  brigade  of  militia  was  organized,  of  all  who  were  ab'e 
to  bear  arm»,  and  the  officers  appointed,  rt  siding  in  the 
different  towns,  who  had  orders,  whenever  there  should 
be  an  alarm,  to  musfer  all  the  force  in  his  neighborhood, 
and  march  immediately  to  the  place  of  danger,  and  as  the 
parties  arrived,  the  senior  officer  present  to  take  command, 
and  proceed  against  the  enemy. 

Gen.  Jacob  Bailey  of  Newbury,  was  appointed  to  the 
command ;  a  man  of  tried  courage  and  long  experience,  in 
whom  the  people  had  great  confidence!  Frequent  at- 
tempts were  made  by  the  Indian  scouts  to  take  him  }>ris- 
oner ;  but  he  eluded  all  their  stratagems  and  kept  clear 
of  them.  On ,  one  occasion  his  house  was  surrounded  by 
a  party  of  Indians  in  the  night,  and  a  demand  made  for 
him,  with  a  threat,  that  if  he  was  not  surrendered,  they 
would  burn  the  house  and  destroy  all  within.  His  heroic 
wift  answered  that  he  was  not  at  home  ;  on  which  ihs 


IMDIAN    WABS. 


189 


t*.  in 


■^1 


pris- 

:lear 

\by 

for 

hey 

Toic 

•h« 


was  told  to  tell  where  he  was,  or  they  would  commence 
an  immediate  attack  on  the  house.  Her  answer  was,  that 
she  knew  not  where  he  was,  but  she  hoped  he  was  where 
they  would  not  find  him  ;  that  she  was  prepared  for  their 
attack,  and  should  defend  the  house  to  the  last  extremity ; 
on  which  they  retired. 

No  military  event  of  any  importance,  took  place  in  the 
towns  on  the  river,  within  the  grants,  during  the  remain-, 
der  of  the  war,  though  some  towns  in  the  neighborhood 
did  not  wholly  escape  the  common  calamities.  In  the 
month  of  October,  1780,  a  party,  consisting  of  abont  three 
hundred  refugees  and  Indians,  commanded  by  Lieut.  Hur- 
tun,  an  officer  in  the  Brrtish  army,  made. an  incursion 
into  the  settlements,  and  destroyed  Royalton,  a  flourish- 
ing town  on  White  river,  about  twenty  miles  from  its 
juunotion  *''kh  the  Connecticut.  The\  plundered  the  in- 
hiibitants  of  every  thing  valuable,  that  they  could  carry 
off,  burnt  twenty  one  houses,  with  all  their  barns,  and 
stacks  of  hay  and  grain,  and  took  fourteen  men  prisoners, 
most  of  them  heads  of  families ;  these  they  carried  to 
Canada,  except  two,  who  were  found  murdered  and  scalp- 
ed in  tlieir  camp,  after  their  retreat. 

This  event  caused  great  alarm  throughout  the  country, 
and  many  speculative  opinions  were  formed  as  to  the  rea- 
sons why  this  town  sltould  be  singled  out  for  destruction, 
while  others  were  passed  by  the  enemy,  and  left  unmo- 
lested. Subsequently  a  circumstance  became  known, 
which  was  supposed  lo  b»  the  cause.  A  gentleman  had 
taken  up  his  residence  in  that  town,  who  was  a  land  owner 
to  a  considerable  extent  in  that  part  of  the  country,  and 
took  great  iiitcrest  in  promoting  its  prosperity.  He  often 
gave  assistance  to  the  inhabitants,  who  were  at  that  time 
very  poor.  He  made  it  his  home  in  the  family  of  a  man 
whom  he  had  often  assisted  and  shown  many  acts  of 
kindness.  When  the  revolutionary  troubles  commenced, 
this  gentleman,  not  wishing  to  take  a  part,  was  proscribed 
as  a  tory ;  and  for  safety  was  obliged  to  conceal  himself 
in  the  woods,  where  he  remained,  till  compelled  by  hun- 
ger to  seek  some  relief,  for  which  he  secretly  applied  to 
the  man  with  whom  he  had  resided,  begged  for  food,  and 
that  he  would  afford  him  such  assistance  as  would  enabU 


190 


HfSlAN    WARI. 


him  to  make  hit  escnpe.  This  was  promised,  and  he  was 
told  to  hide  himst^ll  in  the  harn,  while  this  man  said  he 
would  keep  him  there  concealed  till  »ome  plan  could  be 
devised  for  his  escape.  Instead  of  this,  however,  this 
treacherous  friend  immediately  informed  against  him  to 
the  committee,  \yUo  sent  a  guard  and  took  him  prisoner. 
This  gentleman  was  treated  with  great  indignity,  and  suf* 
fered  many  hardships,  but  finally  made  his  escape  and  got 
safe  to  Canada. 

There  was  no  doubt  at  the  time,  of  t!-iis  man  being  one 
of  the  party  that  attacked  Hoyalton.  Oi.e  thing  is  a  fact, 
that  the  house  of  his  betrayer  was  the  first  that  was  de- 
stroyed, and  the  owner  owed  his  life  to  a  remarkable  cir- 
cumstance. Awaking  on  the  morning  of  the  attack,  a  lit- 
tle before  daylight,  he  thought  he  heard  strange  noises, 
which  induced  him  to  believe  that  some  wild  animai  had 
got  among  his  flock.  He  arose  and  ueut  out  to  see  to 
them,  and  on  returning,  found  his  house  on  fire  and  sur- 
rounded by  the  enemy.  He  fled  to  the  woods,  and  was 
closely  pursued  by  some  Indians,  but  was  enabU^d  to  make 
his  escape  by  secreting  himscll  under  a  log,  and  so  closely 
concealed  himself  that  some  of  the  enemy  even  passed 
over  him. 

No  correct  account  ha^  ever  before  been  published,  of 
the  measures  adopttrd,  and  the  conduct  of  those,  who 
turned  out  and  marched  ;tg:iinst  the  enemy  on  this  occa- 
sion, though  a  very  false  one  was  printed  and  circulated 
by  a  religious  fanatic,  who  had  no  means  of  knowing  any 
thing  more  than  from  hearsay  reports,  which  reflected 
with  some  severity,  upon  those  who  were  engaged  in  the 
expedition,  because  they  did  not  pursue  and  kill  every  one 
of  the  enemy.  The  following  particulars  are  made  from 
the  statements  of  those  who  were  present  and  took  an 
active  part  in  the  whole  affair,  one  of  whom  was  the  lato 
Dr.  Thomas  Baldwin,  who  then  resided  in  Canaan,  about 
thirty  miles  from  the  scene  of  action,  and  who  shouldered 
his  giiof  and  marched  with  his  neighbors  in  defence  of 
his  coimtry. 

The  enemy  encamped  in  a  thick  wood  the  night  before 
the  attack,  about  two  miles  from  the  village,  and  com- 
menced their  depredations  at  day  light  in  the  moruiog. 


llfBIAlf    VTAEt. 


!•! 


occa- 
ilated 


'fore 
:oni- 
liing. 


They  w«ro  dividrd  into  nariirs,  and  began  their  aMniilt 
upon  the  inhabiiant.s  in  ditfcrent  parts  cf  the  YiPaze  at 
the  same  linio.  Most  of  the  women,  with  the  children, 
fled  to  the  woods,  and  some  of  the  jroung  men  made  their 
escape  down  the  river  and  gave  the  alarm.  l\w  scnint 
offirer  of  that  section  was  Col.  John  Mouse,. who  resided 
at  Hanover,  twenty  four  miles  distant  from  the  scene  of 
action,  lie  received  the  news  by  express  in  the  after- 
noon, and  immediately  swtnt  runners  to  all  the-  towns  in 
the  neighUirhood  with  the  information,  and  orders  for 
every  man  able  to  bear  arms,  to  repair  to  the  place  of  reR- 
dezvouz  with  all  possible  haste.  He  was  enabled  to 
march  with  a  considerable  force  the  next  morning  at  day- 
light, occasionally  being  joined  by  others  on  thi;  route, 
and  arrived  at  Koyalton  in  the  afternoon;  but  the  enemy 
had  left  the  place  a  tew  hours  before,  and  there  was  noth- 
ing to  be  discovered,  but  the  burning  ruins  of  the  settle- 
ment. 

The  men  were  must  red  and  formed  into  companies, 
and  every  thing  arranged  for  a  pursuit  of  the  enemy. 
Scouts  were  sent  out  to  gain  information  of  them,  but  they 
missed  their  track,  and  did  not  return  till  the  next  day. 
No  rertain  information  could  be  obtained  of  the  route 
they  had  taken ;  but  it  was  determined  to  commence  the 

{>ursuit  in  such  a  direction  as  it  was  th  7:-ht  they  would 
le  most  likely  to  fall  in  with  the  enemy.  They  were 
fortuii^te  enough  to  hit  upon  tlicir  trail,  and  followed  on 
with  all  possime  haste;  but  they  were  in  a  thick  wood, 
and  the  night  was  very  dark,  so  that  their  progress  was 
slow.  The  first  discovery  that  they  made  of  the  enemy 
was  by  being  fired  on  by  their  rear  guard,  by  which  a 
lieutenant  was  severely  wounded.  The  party  was  imme- 
diately formed  in  order  of  battle,  and  moved  on  till  they 
received  the  fire  of  the  main  body  of  the  Indians,  who 
were  formed  in  a  half  circle.  The  fire  was  returned  with 
spirit,  and  a  sharp  engagement  commenced ;  but  it  was 
soon  found  that  the  enemy  had  retreated.  It  was  so 
dark  that  nothing  could  be  seen  but  the  flashes  from 
the  muskets,  from  which  the  commander  discovered  that 
there  was  danger  of  the  parties  getting  into  a  position 
which  might  caust  them  to  mistake  each  other  for  th« 


in 


INBIAK    WABt. 


'1$ 


enf  mj  ;  and  it  was  wi(h  great  difficulty  that  he  was  ena- 
bled to  put  n  stop  to  the  firing,  and  to  get  the  men  into 
order,  for  the  jiurpoHC  of  advancing  against  the  enemy. 
Xhis  being  eflccted,  they  iMirsued  them,  and  on  arriving 
at  tiieir  encampment,  found  that  they  had  left  it,  and  made 
a  hasty  retreat,  leaving  a  great  part  of  their  plunder  he- 
hind  them.  Even  their  camp  kettles  were  left  over  the 
fire  in^which  they  were  cooking  their  hreakfa^ts.  A  coun- 
cil of  the  oAicers  was  held,  whose  opinion  was,  that  to 
pur.ue  the  enemy  further  would  be  useless,  and  an  ar- 
rangement being  made  that  the  property  found  in  the 
camp,  shoidd  be  restored  to  the  owners,  the  men  were 
dismissed  and  returned  to  their  homes. 

Tw  o  circumstances  occurred  during  ihe  time  the  enemy 
were  plundering  and  burning  the  village,  which  it  is 
thought  worthy  rf  hein«;  stattd.  A  Mrs.  Handy  had  a 
son,  ten  years  old,  taken  by  the  Indians,  and  she  had  the 
courage  to  attempt  his  liberation.  To  eflect  this,  she 
repaired  to  the  head  quarters  of  the  enemy,  in  doing 
which  she  had  to  wade  across  the  river.  She  sought  out 
the  Knglish  commander,  and  with. the  feelings  of  a  mother, 
plead  her  cause  so  well,  that  she  eflected  his  release  ;  but 
findine;  there  nine  other  boys  aliout  the  same  age,  and 
knowing  all  their  mothers,  her  feelings  of  svmpathy  wore 
too  strong  to  permit  her  to  leave  them.  "Bhe  plead  for 
them  one  by  one,  till  she  obtained  the  release  of  the 
whole.  The  commander  ordered  a  fire  to  be  made,  by 
which  they  could  warm  themselves,  and  gave  them  some 
food,  telling  her  to  remain  there  till  the  scouts  all  came  in, 
or  they  mighv  be  taken  again.  After  they  came  in,  he 
made  the  Indians  carry  them  on  their  backs  across  the 
river,  and  they  were  all  landed  safely  on  the  other  s>ide. 

1  he  other  case  was  as  follows.  A  party  of  Indians 
entered  a  house  where  there  was  a  woman  somewhat  ad- 
vanced in  pregnancy.  One  of  them  seized  hold  of  her 
with  one  hand,  and  in  the  other  held  a  large  knife,  in  such 
a  manner,  that  she  supposed  his  aim  was  to  cut  her  throat, 
at  which  she  fainted  and  fell  to  the  floor.  On  recovering, 
however,  she  found  that  all  the  damage  she  had  received, 
was  the  loss  of  a  string  of  gold  beads,  which  was  round 
h«r  nack;  but  th«  most  remarkable  part  of  the  case  was. 


) 


as  ena- 
en  into 
enemy, 
arriving 
id  made 
ider  be- 
[>ver  the 
A  coun- 
,  that  to 
1  an  ar- 
J  in  the 
en  were 

le  enem^ 
ich   it  IS 
ly  had  a 
had  the 
this,  she 
in  doing 
)nght  out 
a  mother, 
ase ;  but 
age,  and 
thy  were 
plead  for 
of  the 
lade,  by 
\em  some 
]  came  in, 
ie  in,  he 
cross  the 
'J  Siicie. 
Indians 
i^hat  ad- 
Id  of  her 
p,  in  such 
jr  throat, 
covering, 
received, 
ias  round 
Use  was, 


Indian  wars. 


1Q5 


that  whnn  her  child  wns  born,  which  wns  n  boy,  ho  had 
pfM-roclly  llio  fierce  look  niid  coiiiplexinn  of  the  savuge. 
He  lived  to  manhood,  ntid  wus  u  respeclnblo  head  of  n 
family,  but  ;!lwiiys  retained  this  singular  mark. 


HHH!^ 


CHAP.   IX. 

EXPEDITION  OF  GEN.  HARMKR  AND  HIS  DF.FF.AT  BY  THE  INDIANS 
DEFEAT  OF  GEN.  St.  CLAIR  NEAR  THE  MIAMI  VILLAGE. 

Although  n  peace  was  al  length  happily- cfiectcd  be- 
tween the  two  contending  parties,  Great  Britain  and 
America,  in  1785,  yet  the  savagqs  \\\}0  had  been  per- 
suaded to  take  a  part  with  t!i(^  former,  were  unwilling 
to  bury  the  bloody  hatchet.  They  had  not  sutBcienf'.y 
bathed  that  destructive  weapon  in  the  blood  of  Ameri- 
cans. Without  any  pretext  wh:itevcr,  they  continued  to 
exercise  tovvnt  Js  them  the  most  wanton  acts  of  barbarity. 

It  appeared  from  respectable  evidence,  that  from- the 
year  1783,  until  the  month  of  October,  179i0,  the  time 
the  United  States  commenced  effcnsivc  operations  against 
the  Indians,  that  on  the  Ohio,  and  the  frontiers  on  the 
south  side,  they  killed,  wounded,  and  took  prisoners 
fifteen  hundred  men,  women  and  children,  beside!|  carry- 
ing off  upwards  of  two  thousand  horses,  and  other  proper- 
ty to  the  amount  of  $50,000. 

The  particulars  of  many  of  the  instances  of  barbarity 
exercised  upon  the  prisoners,  of  ditTerent  ages  and  sexes, 
although  supported  by  indisputable  evidence,  are  of  too 
shocking  a  nature  to  be  presented  to  the  public.  It  is 
sufficient  here  to  observe  that  the  scalping  knife  and 
tomahawk  were  the  mildest  instruments  of  death.  That 
«5 


194 


1N9IAM    WARS. 


) 


in  some  cnses  torture  by  fire,  and  other  execrable  meons 
were  used. 

But  the  outrages  ivhich  were  committed  upon  the 
frontier  inhnbitants  were  not  the  only  injuries  that  were 
sustained.  Repeated  iittucks  upon  detachments  of  the 
troops  of  the  United  States  were  at  different  times  made. 
The  following  from  its  peculiar  enormity  deserves  reci- 
tal. In  April,  17J)0,  Miijor  Doughty,  in  thn  scrvici'  of 
the  United  States,  was  ordered  to  the  friendly  Cliicka- 
saws  on  public  business.  He  performed  his  duty  \n  a 
boat,  having  with  him  a  party  of  iifteen  men.  VV  hile 
ascending  the  Tennessee  river  he  wos  met  by  a  party 
of  Indians,  in  four  canoes,  consisting  principally  of  Shaw- 
nese  ond  out-cast  Cherokees.  They  approached  under 
a  white  flag,  the  well-known  emblem  of  peace.  They 
came  on  board  the  Mojor's,  bout,  received  his  presents, 
continued  with  him  nearly  an  hour,  and  then  departed 
in  the  most  friendly  manner.  But  they  had  scarcely 
cleared  his  oars,  before  they  poured  in  a  fire  upon  his 
crew,  which  was  returned  as  soon  as  circumstances 
would  permit,  and  a  most  unequal  combat  was  sustained 
for  several  hours,  .when  they  abandoned  their  design,  hut 
not  until  they  had  killed  and  wounded  eleven  out  of  fif- 
teen of  the  boat's  crew. 

All  overtures  of  peace  failing,  ond  the  depredations 
still  continuing,  an  attempt  at  coercion  became  indispen- 
sable. Accordingly,  on  tl^eSOlh  September,  1790,  the 
President,  with  the  consent  and  adviae  of  the  Congress 
of  the  United  States,  despatched  Gen.  Harmer,  with 
800  federal  troops,  and  1183  militia  under  his  command, 
to  destroy  their  principal  villages. 

The  troops,  after  seventeen  days  march  from  Miami, 
reached  the  great  Miami  village,  without  any  other  mo- 
lestation than  that  of  having  a  number  of  their  pack- 
horses  stolen.  On  their  arrival  they  found  the  village 
deserted,  and  all  the  valuable  buildings  in  flames,  set  on 
fire  by  the  Indians.  After  a  short  tarry,  they  proceeded 
to  the  neighboring  villages  without  molestation,  and  de- 
stroyed five  of  them,  ond  a  large  quantity  of  co»n  which 
they  found  buried  in  different  places,  and  very  large 
quantities  of  vegetables  of  every  kind. 


INDUrr  WABI. 


196 


The  fif^t  opposition   that   w«9  met  with,  a  ptrty  of 
ubout   one    hundred    und    lifly    Kentucky  militia,    and 


with 
imand, 


er  mo- 
pack- 

viilage 
set  on 

cecded 

ind  de- 
which 
large 


iff! 


ih 


of 


li 


under  the  command 
Harding  of  Kentucky,  were  detached  from  the  main 
body,  lying  in  the  great  Miami  village,  to  pursue  the 
trail  of  u  party  of  Indians,  which'had  that  day  been  dis- 
covered. After  a  pursuit  of  about  six  miles  they  came 
up  with  and  were  attacked  on  surprise  by  a  large  body 
of  Indiana,  who  were  concoalod  in  the  thickets  on  every 
side  of  a  largo  plain  ;  and  on  the  first  onset,  the  militia, 
without  exchanging  a  single  shot,  made  a  most  prccipi- 
tnto  retreat,  and  left  the  regular  troops  to  stand  the 
whole  charge  of  the  Indians.  The  conflict  was  short 
and  bloody.  The  troops  were  soon  overi. jwcred  by 
numbers,  and  all  fell  except  two  or  three  officers  and 
two  or  three  privates,  after  defending  themselves  at  their 
bayonet  points  with  the  greatest  possible  obstinacy.  En- 
sign H.irtshorn  was  one  of  the  oflTicers  who  providentially 
escaped,  and  his  escape  appeared  to  depend  more  on  a 
lucky  circumstance  of  faultering  over  a  log  in  his  re- 
treat, and  by  that  means  screening  himself  from  the  eye 
of  his  pursuers,  than  from  any  other  circumstance.  Capt. 
Armstrong,  who  commanded  the  party,  like\yise  made 
his  escape  by  plunging  himself  into  a  pond  or  swamp  up 
to  his  neck,  within  two  hundred  yards  of  the  field  of  ac- 
tion, where  he  remained  the  whole  night,  a  spectator  to 
the  horrid  scenes  of  the  war  dance,  performed  over  the 
dead  and  wounded  bodies  of  the  poor  soldiers  that  had 
fallen  the  preceding  day,  where  their  shrieks,  mixed 
with  the  horrid  yells  of  the  savages,  rendered  his  situa- 
tion shocking. 

After  this  some  few  skirmishes  succeeded,  but  nothing 
material,  until  the  second  capital  action,  which  happened 
two  days  after  the  army  left  Miami  village.  At  ten 
miles  distance  from  the  town,  the  general  ordered  a  halt, 
and  detached  from  four  to  five  hundred  militia,  and  about 
sixty  regular  soldiers,  under  the  command  of  Major  Wi- 
leys  and  Col.  Harding,  who  were  ordered  to  march 
back  to  the  town.  On  their  first  entrance  there  appeared 
a  small  body  of  Indians,  who  immediutely  fied  at  the 
first  onsets  and  by  that  means  decoyed  the  whole  body  of 


.\ 


■  ! 


196 


INDIAN    ^VARS. 


the  militia,  by  makiiii'.'  thfiir  flight  in  dirtVrpnt  directions, 
and  encouraging  the  militia  lo  pursue.  By  this  strata- 
fi;em  the  few  regular  troops  were  left  alone,  and  the 
Indians  had  effected  their  design,  for  the  moment  Ihey 
found  the  small  handful  of  regular  troop?,  detached  from 
the  main  body  of  the  militia,  they  commenced  the  attack 
with  their  whole  force,  executing  the  flying  parties  tlxit 
had  divided  the  militia  ;  and  although  they  soon  found 
some  part  of  the  militia  returning,  pursued  their  obje'ct 
of  routing  and  destroying  the  troop3,  as  the  only  sure  plan 
of  success,  which  aster  a  most  bloody  conflict,  was  ef- 
fected. 

Nothing  could  exceed  the  intrepidity  of  the  savages 
on  this  occasion.  The  militia  they  appeared  to  despise, 
and  with  all  the  undauntedness  coLceivable;  threw  down 
their  guns,  and  rushed  upon  the  bayonets  of  the  regu- 
Jar  soldiers.  '  A  number  of  them  fell,  but  being  so  far 
superior  in  numbers,  the  regulars  were  soon  overpowered, 
for  while  the  poor  soldier  had  his  bayonet  in  one  Indian, 
two  more  would  sink  their  tomahawks  in  his  head.  The 
defeat  of  the  troops  was  complete.  .The  dead  and 
wounded  were  left  on  the  Held  of  action  in  possession  of 
the  savages. 

The  regular  troops  except  nine,  including  two  com- 
missioned officers,  were  killed.  Among  ^ho  slain  was 
Major  Wileys,  and  a  number  of  brave  and  valuable 
soldiers.  The  Indians  it  appeared,  from  some  cause, 
did  not  think  it  prudent  to  pursue  their  successes  from 
the  field  of  action,  as  most  of  the  troops  thaU  were  not 
killed  or  badly  wounded,  made  their  escape,  which  they 
could  not  have  effected  had  the  enemy  pursued  with  their 
usual  fury.  Whole  number  killed,  one  hundred  aiid 
eighty  three,  wounded,  thirty  one. 

In  the  fall  of  1791,  Gen.  St.  Clair  tDok  command  of 
the  western  army,  &nd  marched  against  the  Indians;  who 
had  assembled  in  great  force  on  the  Miami  river.  Ho 
met  wjth  a  total  defeat.  The  particulars  of  the  fight, 
which  was  very  saguinary,  will  be  given  in  his  own 
words,  which  is  taken  from  his  letter  to  the  secretary  of 
war. 

"  Yesterday,  the  remains  of  the  army  under  my  com- 


liiNDlAN    WARt.K 


197 


land  of 

who 

He 

own 
try  of 

I  com- 


mand got  back  to  this  place,  (Fort  Washington,)  and 
I  have  now  the  painful  task  to  give  an  account  of  a 
warm,  and  as  •unfortunate  an  action  as  almost  any  that 
has  been  fought,  in  which  every  corps  was  engageil  and 
worsted,  except  tiie  first  regiment ;  this  had  been  detached 
upon  a  service  that  1  had  the  honor  to  inform  you  of  in 
.    my  Inst  despatch,  and  had  not  joined  me. 

"  On  the  3d  inst.  the  army  had  reached  a  creek  about 
twelve  yards  wide,  running  to  the!  southward  of  west, 
li  which  I  believed  to  have  been  the  river  St.  Mary,  that 

empties  into  the  Miami  of  the  lake,  arrived  at  the  village 
about  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  having  marched 
near  nine  mile*;,  a«d  were  immediately  encamped  upon 
a  very  commanding  piece  of  ground,  in  two  lines,  hav- 
ing the  above-mentioned  creek  in  front.  The  right 
wing  composed  of  Butler,  Clark  and  Patterson's  battal- 
ions, commanded  by  Major  General-  Butler,  formed  the 
first  line  ;  and  the  left  wing,  consisting  of  Bedinger  r.nd 
Gaither's  battalions,  and  the  second  regiment  conuiiand- 
ed  by  Col.  Drake,  formed  the  second  line,  with  an  inter- 
val between  them  of  about  seventy  yards,  which  was  all 
the  ground  would  allow. 

"  The  right  flank  was  pretty  well  secured  by  the 
creek,  a  steep  bank,  and  Faulkener's  corps.  Some  of 
the  cavalry,  and  their  piquets,  covered  the  left  flank. 
The  militia  were  sent  over  the  creek  and  advanced  about 
a  quarter  of  a  mile,  and  encamped  in  the  same  order. 
There  were ,  a  few  Indians  who  appeared  on  the  oppo- 
site side  of  the  creek,  but  fled  with  the  utmost  precipita- 
tion on  the  advance  of  the  militia.  At  this  place,  which 
I  judged  to  be  about  fifteen  miles  from  the  Miami  vil* 
lage,  I  had  determined  to  throw  up  a  slight  work,  (he 
plan  of  which  was  concocted  that  evening  with  Major 
Fergerson,  wherein  to  have  deposited  the  men's  knap- 
sacks, and  every  thing  else  thf:t  was  not  of  absolute  ne- 
cessity, and  to  have  moved  on  to  attack  the  enemy,  as 
soon  as  the  first  regiment  came  up,  but  they  did  not 
permit  me  to  execute  either,  for  on  the  4th,  about  half  an 
hour  before  sunrise,  and  when  the  men  had  just  been 
dismissed  from  parade,  (for  it  was  a  constant  practice  to 
have  them  all  under  arms  a  considerable  time  before 


ILL 


19S 


(NDIAR    WARS. 


J 


It 


rifiylight,)  nn  nttnck  wr>s  mndn  upon  the  militin,  who 
gave  way  in  a  very  little  time,  and  rushed  into  camp 
ihrough  iVlajor  Butlor's  battalion,  whicht  together  with 
pari  of  Clark's,  they  threw  into  considerable  disorder, 
and  which,  notwithstanding  the  exertions  of  both  these 
officers,  was  never  altogether  remedied.  The  Indians 
followed  close  at  their  heels  ;  the  fire,  however,  of  the 
front  line  checked  them,  but  almost  instantaneously,  a 
very  heavy  attack  began  upon  that  line,  and  in  a  fevf 
minutes  it  was  «;xtendcd  to  the  second  likewise.  The 
great  weight  of  it  was  directed  against  the  centre  of 
each,  where  the  artillery  was  placed,  and  from  which 
the  men  were  repeatedly  driven  with  great  slaughter. 
Finding  no  great  effect  from  the  fire,  and  a  Confusion 
beginning  to  spread  from  the  great  number  of  men  who 
were  falling  in  all  quarters,  it  became  necessary  to  try 
what  could  be  done  with  the  b.ayonet. 

*' Lieut'  I^rake  was  accordingly  ordered  to  charge 
with  a  part  of  the  second  line,  and  to  turn  the  left  fiank 
of  the  enemy.  This  was  executed  with  great  spirit,  and 
at  first  promised  much  success.  The  Indians  instantly 
gaVe  way,  and  were  driven  back  three  or  four  hundred 
yards,  but  for  want  of  a  sufficient  number  of  riflemen  to 
pursue  this  advantage,  they  soon  returned,  and  the 
troops  were  obliged  to  give  back  in  their  turn.  At  this 
moment  they  had  entered  our  camp  by  the  left  fiank, 
having  pursued  the  troops  jthat  were  posted  there. 

- ''  Another  charge  was  made  here  by  the  second  regi- 
ment, Butler  and  Clark's  battalions,  with  equal  effect, 
and  it  was  repeated  several  times,  and  always  with  suc- 
cess ;  but  in  uU  of  them  many  men  were  lost,  and  partic- 
ularly the  officers,  which,  with  some  raw  troops,  was  a  loss 
altogether  irremediable.  In  that  I  just  spoke  of,  made* 
by  the  second  regiment  and  Butler's  battalion,  iVjajor 
Butler  was  dangerously  wounded,  and  every  officer  of 
the  second  regiment  fell,  except  three,  one  of  which, 
Capt.  Greaton,  was  shot  through  the  body.  Our  ar- 
tillery being  now  silenced,  and  all  the  officers  killed, 
except  Capt.  Ford,  who  was  badly  wounded,  more  than 
half  of  the  army  fallen,  being  cut  off  from  the  road,  it  be- 
came necessary  to  attempt  the  regaining  it  and  to  make 


i 


ilVi 


INDIAN    WABI. 


199 


ifia,  who 
ito  cauip 
her  with 
disorder, 
3th  these 
Indians 
r,  of  the 
eously,  a 
n  a  fevT 
16.  The 
entre  of 
m  which 
laughter, 
confusion 
nen  who 
ry  to  try 

a  charge 

left  flank 

)irit,  and 

instantly 

hundred 

emen  to 

and  the 

At  this 

\  flank, 

•  • 

nd  regi- 

cffect, 
ith  suc- 

partic- 

as  a  loss 

f,  made- 

,  iViajor 

fficer  of 

which, 
3ur  ar- 

killed, 
»re  than 
d,  it  be- 
,0  make 


I 


I  retreat  if  possible.  To  this  purpose  the  remains  of 
ihe  army  was  formed  as  well  as  circumstances  would  ad- 
mit, towards  the  right  of  the  encampment,  from  which 
by  the  way  of  the  second  line,  another  char4;o  was  made 
upon  the  enemy,  as  if  with  the  design  to  turn  their  right 
flank,  but  it  was  in  fact  to  gain  the  road.  This  was  ef- 
fected ;  and  as  soon  as  it  was  open  the  militia  entered 
it,  foil  )vved  by  the  troops  ;  Major  Clark  with  his  battal- 
ion covering  the  rear. 

**  The  retreat  in  these  circumstances  was,  you  may 
be  sure,  a  precipitate  one.  It  was  in  fact  a  flight.  The 
camp  and  artillery  were  abandoned,  but  that  was  una- 
voidable, as  not  a  horse  was  left  alive  to  have  drawn  it 
off,  had  it  otherwise  been  practicable.  But  the  most 
disgraceful  part  of  the  business  is,  that  the  greatest  part 
of  the  men  threw  away  their  arms  and  accoutrements, 
even  after  the  pwrsuit,  (which  continued  about  four 
miles,)  had  ceased. 

"  1  found  the  road  strewed  with  them  for  many  miles, 
but  was  not  able  to  remedy  it,  for  having  had  all  my 
horses  killed,  and  being  mounted  upOn  one  that  could 
not  be  pricked  out  of  a  walk,  I  could  not  get  forward 
myself;  and  the  orders  I  sent  forward,  either  to  halt  the 
front  or  prevent  the  men  from  parting  with  their  arms, 
were  unattended  to. 

*'  The  route  continued  quite  to  Fort  Jefferson,  twenty- 
nine  miles,  whi  h  was  reached  a  little  after  sun-set.  The 
action  began  about  half  an  hour  before  sun-rise,  and  the 
retreat  was  attempted  at  half  past  nine  o'clock. 

"  1  have  not  yet  been  able  to  get  the  returns  of  the 
killed  and  wounded,  but  Major  General  Butler,  Lieut. 
Col.  Oldham  of  the  militia,  Majors  Fergerson,  Hunt 
and  Clark  are  among  the  former. 

**  I  have  now,  sir,  finished  mj  melancholy  tale  ;  a  tale 
that  will  be  felt,  sensibly  felt,  by  every  one  that  has 
sympathy  for  private  distress,  or  for  public  misfortune. 
I  have  nothing,  sir,  to  lay  to  the  charge  of  the  troops 
but  their  want  of  discipline,  which,  from  (hr  short  time 
they  had  been  in  service,  it  was  impossible  they  should 
have  acquiced,  and  whi.ch  rendered  it  difficult,  when  they 
were  thrown  into  confusion,  to  reduce  them  again  to  or- 


JOO 


IffDlAff    WAIIB. 


tier,  and  is  ono  reason  why  flie  loss  has  fallen  so  heavily 
upon  the  oflicere,  who  did  every  thing  in  their  power  to 
eflfect  it.  Neither  were  my  own  exertions  wanting,  but 
worn  down  with  illness,  and  suffering  under  a  painful 
disease,  unable  either  to  mount  or  dismount  a  horse 
without  assistance,  they  were  not  so  great  as  they  other- 
wise would,  or  perhaps  ought  to  have  been. 

*'  We  were  overpowered  by  numbers  ;  but  it  is  no 
more  than  justice  to  observe  that  though  composed  of  so 
many  different  species  of  troops,  the  utmost  harmony 
prevailed  through  the  whole  army  during  the  campaign. 

"At  fort  Jeflferson,  I  found  the  first  regiment,  which 
had  returned  from  the  service  they  had  been  set  upon, 
without  eil.ijr  overtaking  the  deserters,  or  meeting  the 
convoy  of  provisions.  I  am  not  certain,  sir,  whethei  I 
ought  to- consider  the  absence  of  this  regiment  from  the 
field  of  action,  as  fortunate  or  otherwise.  1  incline  to 
think  it  was  fortunate  ;  for  1  very  much  doubt  whether, 
had  it  been  in  tlie  action,  the  fortune  of  the  day  had 
been  turned,  and  if  it  had  not,  the  triumph  of  the  enemy 
would  have  been  more  complete,  and  t'le  country  would 
have  been  destitute  of  the  means  of  defence. 

*'  Taking  a  view  of  the  situation  of  our  broken  troops 
at  fort  Jefferson,  and  that  there  was  no  provisions  in  the 
fort,  I  called  on  the  field  officers  for  their  advice  what  it 
was  proper  further  to  be  done  ;  and  it  was  their  unani- 
mous opinion,  that  the  addition  of  the  first  regiment,  un- 
broken as  it  was,  did  not  put  the  army  on  so  respectable 
a  footing  as  it  was  in  the  morning,  becausr>  a  great  part 
of  it  was  now  unarmed  ;  that  it  had  been  found  unequal 
to  the  enemy,  and  should  they  come  on,  which  was  prob- 
able, would  be  found  so  again  ;  that  the  troops  i50uld 
not  be  thrown  mto  the  fori,  because  it  was  too  small,  and 
there  was  no  provision  in  it  ;  that  provisions  were  known 
to  be  upon  the  road  at  the  distance  of  one  or  at  most, 
two  marches  ;  that  therefore  it  would  be  proper  to  move 
without  loss  of  time,  to  meet  the  provisions,  when  the 
men  might  have  the  sooner  an  opportunity  of  some  re- 
freshment, and  that  a  proper  detaciiment  might  be  sent 
back  with  it,  to  have  it  safely  deposited  in  the  fort. 

*'  This  advice  was  accepted,  and  the  army  was  put  in 


INDIAN    WARl. 


901- 


heavily 
Dwer  to 


ngi 


but 


painful 
i   horse 
f  other- 
it  is  no 
sd  of  so 
arraony 
ipaign. 
;,  which 
t  upon, 
ting  the 
licthci  I 
rom  the 
ic'.ine  to 
vhethcr, 
day  had 
3  enemy 
]f  would 

troops 
IS  in  the 
what  it 
unani- 
nt,  un- 
lectable 
at  part 
unequal 
is  prob- 
is  could 
lull,  and 
known 
|t  most, 
to  move 
en  the 
nie  rc- 
Ibe  sent 
It. 
put  in 


motion  again  at  ten  o'clock,  and  marched  all  night, 
and  the  succeeding  day  met  with  a  quantity  of  flour ; 
part  of  it  was  distributed  immediately,  part  taken  back 
to  supply  the  army  on  the  march  to  fort  Hamilton,  and 
the  remainder,  about  fifty  horse  loads,  sent  forward  to 
fort  JefTerson." 

The  defeat  of  Gen.  St.  Clair  took  place  within  three 
miles  of  the  Miami  village.  The  loss  on  this  occasion 
was  about  600  killed  and  wounded,  (said  to  be  nearly 
equal  to  Braddocjc's  defeat,)  with  seven  pieces  of  aitil- 
lery  and  all  the  stores.  Gen.  St.  Clair  had  about  1 100 
men  ;  had  reason  to  expect  an  attack,  and  kept  his  men 
under  arms  all  night,  drawn  up  in  a  square.  The  at- 
tack commenced  about  dawn  of  day  on  all  the  linei,  but 
principally  on  the  rear  line,  which  was  composed  of  the 
militia.  The  Indians  gave  one  fire  and  rushed  on  tom- 
ahawk in  hand.  The  militia  gave  way  to  the  centre, 
and  before  the  artillery  could  be  brought  into  action,  th© 
matrosses  were  all  killed  and  it  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy.  It  was  retaken, but  was  uselss  for  want  of  men  to 
manage  the  pieces.  The  action  was  continued  obstinate- 
ly until  nine  o'clock,  when  the  troops  gave  way.  St. 
Clair  rallied  his  men,  and  brought  them  off  in  tolerable 
order,  with  most  of  the  wounded,  to  fort  Jefferson,  thir- 
ty miles  in  the  rear  of  the  action.  The  enemy  pursued 
five  miles. 

Few  ofiicers  of  distinction  escaped,  except  Gen.  St. 
Clair,  who  had  many  narrow  escapes.  Eight  balls  pas- 
sed through  his  clothes.  The  attack  was  conducted 
with  astonishing  intrepidity  on  the  part  of  the  Indians. 
In  a  few  moments  the  general's  tent  was  surrounded. 
However,  he  was  rescued  by  a  party  of  regular  soldiers, 
who  repelled  the  enemy  with  fixed  bayonets.  1  here 
was  a  party  of  the  Chickasaw  nation  on  their  way  to 
join  Gen.  St.  Clair,  but  did  not  arriv»  in  season.  There 
was  but  one  fellow  only  of  that  nation  in  the  action,  who 
killed  and  scalped  eleven  of  the  enemy  with  his  own 
hands,  and  engaging  with  the  twelfth,  he  fell,  greatly 
lamented  by  the  Americans. 

Major  Gen.  Butler  was  wounded,  and  carried  to  a 
eoovenient  place  toTiave  his  wounds  dressed,  but  an  In- 

28 


h 


ili  « 


202 


INDIAN    WAR9. 


dian  having  discOTered  the  place  to  which  he  was  connT' 
veyed,  broke  through  the  troops  who  attended  him,  and 
tomahawked  and  scalped  the  genoral  before  he  was  killed 
by  the  soldiers* 

Agreeable  to  the  statement  of  the  Indians,  they  killed 
650  of  the  American  troops,  and  took  seven  pieces  of 
cannon,  200  oxen,  and  a  great  number  of  horses,  but  no 
prisoners,  and  their  bss  was  only  fifty-six  warriors  killed. 
They  stated  that  they  were  4000  strong,  and  were  com- 
manded by  one  of  the  Missassago  Indians,  who  had  been 
in  the  British  service  in  the  late  war ;  that  be  planned 
and  conducted  the  attack,  which  was  even  contrary  to- 
the  opinion  of  a  mnjority  of  the  chiefs  ;  and  that  after 
the  Americans  began  ta  retreat^  he  told  the  Indians  they 
had  killed  enough,  and  that  it  was  proper  to  give  over 
the  pursuit,  and  return  and  enjoy  the  booty  they  had 
taken.  He  Was  six  feet  in  height,  about  forty-five' years  of 
age,  of  a  very  sowr  and  morose  countenance,  and  appa- 
rently very  crafty  and  subtle.  His  dress  was  th<;  Indian 
hose  and  moccasons,  a  blue  petticoat  that  came  half  way 
down  his  thighs,  and  I'^uropean  waistcoat  and  surtouf. 
IJis  head  was  bound  with  an  Indian  cap  that  came  half 
way  down  his  back,  and  almost  entirely^lled  with  plain 
silver  broaches,  to  the  nunvbcr  of  more  than  !2C0.  He 
bad  two  earrings  to  each  ear,  the  upper  pact  of  each 
was  formed  of  three  silver  medals  about  the  size  of  a 
dollar  ;  the  lower  part  was  formed  of  quarters  of  dollars, 
and  fell  more  than  twelve  inches  fron>  his  ears  ;  one  fron> 
each  ear  over  his  breast,  the  others  over  his  back.  He 
had  three  very  large  nose  jewels  of  silver  that  were  cu- 
riously pointed. 

The  party  of  friendly  Chiekasaws,  who  were  on 
their  way  to  join  the  American  troops,  arrived  at  fort 
Jefferson  two  days  after  the  bloody  action.  They  were 
commanded  by  Piomingo,  or  the  ftiou«tain  kader.  On 
their  way  they  discovered  that  the  troops  had  been  de- 
feated, and  saw  one  of  the  cnemV,  who  mistaking  Piom» 
ingo's  paity  for  some  of  his  comrades,  made  up  to  them. 
He  perceived  his  mistake,  but  too  late  to  retreat  Ha 
was  accosted  by  Piomingo  with  "  Rascal,  you  have  been 
killing  white  men."     He  endeavored  to  excuse  himself. 


I 


INDIAN    WARSk 


109 


,  and 
killed 

Icilled 
les  of 
3ut  no 
killed, 
.  corn- 
el been 
lanned 
■ary  to- 
;  after 
IS  they 
e   over 
cy  had 
rears  of 
I  appa- 
lndi«n 

jilf  way 
urtouf. 
line  half 
1  plain 
He 
each 
ze  of  a 
[lollars, 
\&  froniF 
He 
ere  eu- 

ere  on 
at  fort 
y  were 
r.  On 
een  de- 
:  Piom- 
I  them. 
Htt 
e  been 
vimself, 


but  Piomingo  ordered  two  of  hit  warriors  to  expand  hij 
«rms,  and  a  third,  an  old  mun^for,  says  PiomingOt  **  non« 
of  my  young  men  shall  disgrace  themselves  so  much  at 
to  kill  a  wretch  like  thee")  to  shoot  hiru  tlirough  the 
heart,  which  was  accordingly  executed.  They  after- 
wanls  took  off  his  scalp. 

During  St.  Clair's  bloody  engagement,  Adjutant  Bui- 
.g-ess  received  two  wounds,  the  second  of  which  proved 
mortal.  After  the  receipt  of  t-hc  first  he  continued  to 
fiijht  with  distiaguisiied  gallantry  ;  the  second  unfortu- 
^lately  stopped  his  progress.  Faint  with  the  loss  of 
bJood,  he  fell.  A  woman  who  attended  him,  and  was  par- 
ticularly attached  to  him,  raised  him  up,  and  while  sup- 
porting him  in  her  arms,  received  a  ball  in  her  breast, 
which  put  an  immediate  end  to  her  existence  ! 

Soon  after  Knsign  Wilson  (a  much  lamented  youth,) 
fell ;  one  of  the  savages  attempted  to  take  off  his  scaip, 
which  CvjI.  Drake  perceiving,  he  hastened  to  the  spot, 
flnd  with  his  sword  stabbed  the  Indian  through  the  body. 

A  few  weeks  after  the  defeat  of  the  troops  under  Gen. 
St  Clair,  Gen.  Scott  despatched  from  the  men  under  his 
command,  two  spies  to  reconnoitre  the  enemy,  who, 
when  they  arrived  at  the  distance  of  a  few  miles  from 
the  fatal  spot  where  the  bloody  action  was  fought,  they 
discovered  a  Ltrge  party  of  Indians,  diverting  and  enjoy- 
ing themselves  with  the  plunder  they  had  taken,  riding 
the  bullocks,  &.c.,  and  appeared  to  be  mostly  drunk. 
The  men  returned  and  communicated  the  important 
information  to  Gen.  Scott,  who  immediately  divided  his 
troops  into  three  divisions,  and  advanced  on  the  enemy 
by  surprise.  The  contest  was  short,  but  victorious  on 
the  part  of  the  American  troops.  Two"  hundred  of  tl|« 
enemy  were  killed  on  the  spot,  all  the  cannon  and  stores  .^;, 
in  their  possession  retaken,  and  the  remainder  of  the  * 
savage  body  put  to  flight.  Gen.  S^ott,  losing  but  six 
men,  returned  to  head  quarters  in  triumph,  with  most  of 
the  cattle,  stores,  &,c. 

Gen.  Scott  gave  the  following  affecting  account  of 
the  appearance  of  the  field  on  which  the  bloody  action 
between  the  American  troops  under  Gen.  St.  Clair  and 
the  savages  was  fought,     ''  The  place  had  a  very  melan- 


■4M 


£04 


INDIAN    WARf. 


cholly  appearance.  Nearly  in  the  space  of  three  hundred 
and  fifty  yards  lay  three  hundred  j^kull-boncs,  which  were 
buried  by  my  men  while  on  the  ground  ;  from  thence 
about  five  miles  on,  the  road  through  the  woods  was 
strewed  with  skeletons,  muskets,  &c." 

On  the  29th  of  July,  1794,  Major  M'Mahon  marched 
with  eighty  riflemen,  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Harts- 
horn, and  fifty  dragoons,  under  the  command  of  Capt. 
Taylor,  for  fort  Recovery,  as  an  escort  to  three  hun- 
dred pack  horses,  loaded  with  flour  for  the  garrison.  On 
the  morning  following,  after  they  had  deposited  their 
loading,  and  were  preparing  to  set  out  on  their  return, 
they  were  attacked  by  an  army  of  i200  Indians.  Capt. 
Hartshorn,  who  bad  advanced  with  the  riflemen  about  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  into  the  woods,  immediately  took  post 
on  ft  very  strong,  commanding  piece  of  ground  near  the 
garrison,  and  with  unparalleled  bravery,  maintained  the 
unequal  fight  till  Major  M'Mahon,  who  had  put  himself 
at  the  head  of  the  cavalry,  was  killed,  as  was  Capt.  Tay- 
lor, and  Cornet  Terry,  and  many  of  the  men  wounded. 
The  enemy  now  put  their  force  against  Capt.  Hartshorn, 
and  in  the  moment  when  they  were  pushing  to  cut  off 
his  communication  with  the  garrison,  Lieut.  Drake  and 
Ensign  Dodd  sallied  out  at  the  head  of  twenty  brave  fel- 
lows, who  turned  out  voluntarily  on  the  occasion,  and 
joined  him  after  beating  the  enemy  at  the  point  of  the 
bayonet.  At  this  instant  the  brave  Capt.  Hartshorn  re- 
ceived a  shot  which  broke  'his  thigh.  Lieut.  Craioj  was 
killed,  and  Lieut.  Marks  taken  prisoner.  Lieut.  Drake 
now  ordered  a  retreat,  and  on  endeavoring  to  hold  the 
enemy  in  check  so  as  to  give  the  men  time  to  save  Capt. 
Hartshorn,  he  received  a  shot  in  the  groin.  The  enemy 
now  pressed  so  hard  as  to  compel  the  men  to  leaye  their 
captain. 

Great  numbers  of  the  Indians  must  have  been  killed, 
as  they  came  forward  in  solid  columns  up  to  the  very 
nluzzles  of  the  guns.  Lieut.  Mitchel,  who  was  with 
Capt.  Hartshorn,  but  whom  he  had  detached  with  a  few 
active  men  to  the  flank  of  the  enemy,  was  now  missing ; 
and  while  their  companions  in  the  fort  were  deploring  • 
their  fate,  and  had  given  them  up  as  lost,  they  saw  him 


IlfDIAN    ITASt. 


205 


ndred 
1  were 
:hence 

Is  was 

arched 
Harts- 
Capt, 
ic  hun- 
.    On 
I  their 
•eturn, 
Capt. 
ibout  a 
)k  post 
ear  the 
led  the 
himself 
.  Tay- 
lunded, 
tshorn, 
cut  off 
ce  and 
ive  fel- 
>n,  and 
of  the 
3rn  re- 
ipr  was 
Drake 
old  the 
Capt. 
enemy 
e  their 

killed, 
e  very 
with 

a  few 
|!ising ; 
lloring 

w  him 


and  Lieut.  Marks  rushing  through  the  thick  of  the  ene- 
my at  opposite  directions,  and  although  numbers  of  guns 
were  fired  at  them  they  got  in  safely.  Lieut.  Mitchel 
lost  every  man  of  his  party  except  three,  and  Lieut. 
Marks  got  off  by  knocking  down  the  Indian  who  took 
him. 

The  Indians  were  observed  to  carry  off  great  numbers 
of  killed  and  wounded  on  pack-horses.  The  loss  of  tho 
Americans  was  twenty  three  killed,  and  about  forty 
wounded.  The  party  commanded  by  Capt.  Hartshorn 
brought  in  ten  scalps  of  the  enemy. 


CHAP.  X. 


DEPREDATIONS  OF  THE  INDIANS  ON  THE  FRONTIERS  DURINO 
THE  YEARS  1791,  1792,  AND  1793. 

On  the  19th  of  December,  1791,  as  two  men  and  three 
boys  were  fishing  on  Floyd's  fork  of  Salt  River,  they 
were  suddenly  attacked  by  a  party  of  Indiansj  who  kil- 
led  the  two  mea  and  made  prisoners  of  the  boys.  Soon 
after  they  liberated  one  of  the  lads,  first  presenting  him 
with  a  tomahawk,  which  they  desired  him  to  carry  to 
his  friends,  and  inform  them  what  had  become  of  his 
companions. 

About  the  20th  a  party  of  Indians  attacked  the  house 
of  a  Mr.  Chenoweth,  situated  near  the  mouth  of  the  Wa- 
bash. They  killed  and  scalped  two  of  his  children,  and 
tomahawked  and  scalped  his  wife,  whom  they  left  for 
dead.  iMr.  C,  who  had  his  arm  broken  by  the  fire  of 
the  savages,  with  the  remainder  of  the  family  made  their 
escape.     A  sick  daughter  who  was  confined  to  her  cham- 


203 


INDIAN    WARtv 


I 

I., 


■ 


i^i 


li' 


ber,  and  who,  during  llio  bloody  affray  had  been  forgot* 
ten  by  her  father,  remuiiuMj  igriornntof  ihe  horrid  massa- 
cre until  the  sueeeeding  diiy,  when  no  one  of  the  family 
coming  to  l.cr  assistance,  she  succeeded  in  crawling  down 
stairs,  where  she  was  inexpressibly  shocked  at  the  sight 
of  a  beloved  parint  slrt tched  i^pon  the  floor  almost  life- 
less, and  at  the  side  of  whom  lay  the  mangled  bodies  of 
her  dear  brothers.  Fortunately  her  unhappy  father  re- 
turned the  succeeding  dny  to  the  house,  and  conveyed 
the  two  surviving  members  of  his  family  to  the  house  of 
u  friend,  whore  they  finally  recovered. 

On  the  24lh  a  party  of  Indians  attacked  the  dwelling 
house  of  a  Mr.  John  Merrill,  in  Nelson  County,  Ken- 
tucky. .Mr.  Merrill,  who  was  first  alarmed  by  the  bark* 
ing  of  his  dog,  hastened  to  ihc  door  to  discover  the 
cause,  o.-^  opening  of  which  he  received  the  fire  of  the  In- 
*  dians,  whiqh  broke  his  right  leg  and  arm.  The  Indians 
now  attempted  to  entcfr  (.he  house,  but  were  prevewted 
by  the  door  being  immediately  closed  and  secured  by 
Mrs.  Merrill  and  her  daughter.  The  Indians  succeded 
in  hewing  away  a  part  of  the  door,  tlirough  which  pas- 
sage one  of  them  attempted  to  enter,  but  the  heroic 
mother,  in  the  midst  of  her  screaming  children  and 
groaning  husband,  seized  an  axe  and  gave  the  ruffian  a 
fatal  blow,  after  which  she  hauled  him  through  the  pas- 
sage into  the  house.  The  others,  unconscious  of  the 
fate  of  their  companion,  supposing  that  they  had  now 
nearly  succeeded  in  t^^eir  .object,  rushed  forward,  four 
of  whom  Mrs.  Merrill  in  like  manner  despatched  before 
the  others  discovered  their  mistake.  Ti)e  remaining  In- 
dians, after  retiring  a  few  maments,  returned  and  renew- 
ed their  efforts  to  enter  the  house.  Despairing  of  suc- 
ceeding at  the  door  they  got  on  the  top  of  the  house  and 
attempted  to  descend  the  chimney  ;  to  prevent  which 
Mr.  Merrill  directed  his  little  son  to  empty  upon  the  fire 
the  contents  of  a  feather  bed,  which  had  the  desired  ef- 
fect, as  the  smoke  and  heat  caused  thereby,  soon  brought 
down  rather  unexpectedly,  two  of  the  enemy.  Mr. 
Merrill,  exerting  every  faculty  at  this  critical  moment, 
seized  a  billet  of  wood  with  which  he  soon  despatched 
tlie  half-smotherod  Indians,  while  ip  tho  meaH  timt,  his 


forgot* 
massa- 
fuinily 
5  down 
c  sight 
St  life- 
dies  of 
her  re- 
tivcycd 
ouso  of 

welling 
r,  Ken- 
c  bark- 
er the 
the  In- 
[ndinns 
avcHted 
jred  by 
iccedcd 
ch  pas- 
heroic 
n    and 
ifiinn  a 
le  pas- 
of  tho 
now 
four 
before 
ing  In- 
encw- 
suc- 
sc  and 
which 
ic  fire 
cd  ef- 
rought 
Mr. 
oment, 
atched 
ff,  his 


IPfDIAjr    WARS. 


207 


heroic  wife  was  busily  enjjaged  in  drfcndiiig  the  doer 
against  tho  t^flTorts  of  the  only  rcmain<»  one,  whom  she  so 
severely  wounded  with  un  uxe  thai  he  wns  soon  glad  to 
retire.  i 

A  i)risoner  wlio  escape  J  from  the  enemy  soon  after  the 
transaction,  informed  that  the  wounded  savage  above-men- 
tioned was  the  only  one  of  the  party  that  es(a|)ed,  witicli 
consisted  of  eight;  that  on  his  r(;turn,  beinj;  asked  by  tho 
prisoner  "  what  news,"  he  answered,  "  bad  news  for  poor 
Indian,  me  lose  a  son,  me  lose  a  brother;  the  squaws 
have  taken  the  breech  clout,  and  fight  worse  than  th© 
*long  knives !'" 

Copy  of  a  hitter  from  a  gentleman  residing  at  the;vest- 
ward,  to  a  friend  in  New  \  ork,  dated  Marietta,  Feb.  I, 
1792. 

"  Our  prospects  are  nmch  changed.  Instead  of  jeaco 
and  friendship  with  our  Indian  neighbors,  a  horrid  savage 
war  stares  us  in  the  face.  The  Indians,  instead  of  being 
humbled  by  the  destruction  of  the  Shawnee  towns,  aixl 
brought  to  beg  for  peace,  ap|u?ar  to  be  determined  on  » 
general  war,  in  whieh  our  settlements  are  already  involved. 
On  the  evening  of  the  2d  inst.  they  Ml  on  a  settlement 
about  forty  miles  up  the  Muskingum,  si:rpiised  a  block- 
house, killed  fourteen  persons,  and  carried  ofl' three  other?. 
What  number  of  Indians  were  concerned  in  this  mis- 
chief, or  from  what  tribe  we  know  not;  e.\cept  it  be  by 
those  Indians  who  till  la.tely  used  to  visit  our  settlements 
every  day,  who  have  withdrawn  themselves  entirely  from 
our  sight  ever  since  the  expedition  against  the  »Shawnese; 
and  there  is  little  reason  tp  doubt  but  thit  the  Delawares 
and  Wyandois  as  well  as  others,  have  had  a  hand  in  the 
business. 

*^  h  is  impossible  for  me  to  give  a  just  idea  of  the  dis- 
tress into  which  this  event  has  thrown  the  inhabitants, 
especially  thos3  of  the  out  settlements.  For.  my  own 
part  I  have  for  some  time  been  of  opinion  that  the  spring 
woidd  open  with  a  general  attack  on  the  frontiers,  in 
which  event  I  did  not  expet  t  we  should  escape,  unless 
government  sliould  timely  send  troops  for  our  protection, 
which  we  were  in  hopes  would  be  the  case.  But  it 
seems  the  enemy  are  determined  to  take  advantage  of  our 


•*   /* 


:r 


♦08 


INDIAN    WAItS. 


f. 


t 


I 


P. 


fletVncflcss  situation.  I  consider  this  event,  as  the  fore- 
runner of  other  uttack^  of  a  more  serious  nature,  and 
which  may  involve  us  in  complete  ruin,  ynK;ss  prevented 
by  the  government  immediately  taking  measures  for  our 

[irotection.  To  their  protection  1  conceive  we  always 
lad  an  indisputable  claim,  whit  h  claim,  if  possible,  is  in- 
creased by  the  circums:ances  that  have  brought  us  under 
thu  nsentment  uf  the  Indians,  and  at  least  in  some  inea' 
ure,  produced  the  mischief  that  we  are  fallen  into/' 
-  Copy  of  a  letter  from  a  gentleman  in  Kentuckv  to  ids 
friend  in  Philadelphia,  dated  March  3,  1792. 

*'  As  to  the  Indians,  they  have  been  troubits^ino  all 
wintei-g  Since  October  last  sixty  persons  have  been 
killed  within  the  limits  of  this  district,  besides  a  number 
destroytKl  on  the  Ohio,  among  whom  is  our  oW  acquaint- 
ance. Mr.  John  May,  late  of  Botctoute,  whose  exit  de- 
serves notice,  because  he  was  actuated  by  motives  ot  hu- 
manity. The  aflair  is  thus  related  by  a  captive  who  has 
lately  made  his  escape  from  the  Indians,  and  who  was  a 
spectator  and  a.i  unwilling  instrument  in  the  tragedy. 

"Mr.  May, in  descending  the  great  Kanhawaand  Ohio, 
about  the  20th  of  February  last,  discovered  on  the  west- 
ern shore  of  the  latter,  near  the  mouth  ot  the  Sciota,  a 
white  man,  who  with  a  plaintive  voice,  was  calling,  "  ifor 
Gods's  sake,  come  and  take  a  poor  prisoner  on  board, 
who  is  endeavoring  to  escape  from  the  savages."  This 
had  the  desired  eilect.  .  Mr.  May  ordered  the  boat  to- 
wards the  shore,  but  did  not  discover  his  mistake  until 
the  Indians  rose  up  from  their  vr,btr.h,  shot. him  dead,  and 
wounded  son.',  others  of  the  n,:*^*-!  i7»rs  on  lm-»rd,  '.vi.o 
immediately  endeavored  to  m  ;  ■•*],  '.n  being  lold  in  the 
English  tongue,  they  should  have  good  quarters,  surren- 
dered without  resistance.  The  Indians,  however,  on 
boarding  the  boat,  massacred  all  without  discrimination. 
Two  days  after  the  same  party  attempted  to  decoy  three 
iarge  boats  ashore  that  were  coming  down  from  fort  Pitt, 
but  luckily  they  were  discovered  in  time,  and  our  people 
sheered  off.  1  he  enemy,  being  prepared,  manned  their 
boats  with  about  thirty  warriors,  and  gave  chase.  The 
crew  of  two  of  the  boats,  fearing  they  might  be  overtak- 
en, quilted   them,  and   went  on  board  the  best  sailer, 


a 

soi 

frc 

Ci 

SU(| 


IffDIAN  WARS. 


tOfI 


fore- 
,  and 
unted 
or  our 
ilways 
,  is  in- 

under 

inea* 

r    to    liif^ 

,.nc  all 
e   U^^n 
number 
cquaint- 
exit  de- 
ls ot  hu- 
vvho  has 
0  was  a 
redy. 
nd  Ohio, 
lie  vvest- 
Sciota,  a 

ing,  "  fo/ 
.n  board, 
"     This 
boat  to- 
ke  until 
ead, and 
r.»rd,  'viiO 
lid  in  the 
|s,  surren- 
ever,  on 
Imination. 
coy  three 
fort  Pitt, 
,ur  people 
ned  their 
>se.    The 
overtak- 
ist  sailer, 


wlicro  thoy  ihrcw  overboard  all  their  horses,  jind  some 
heavy  articli  s,  and  plu d  nil  their  oars  to  efleet  their  es- 
cape. The  Indians  also  exortc  J  fh<'njselves  in  the  pursuit, 
ke«*ping  on  ;\  stead}  course  for  about  twenty  miles,  not- 
wiihstandinj;  twenty-four  well  armed  white  men  were  on 
board  the  American  boat,  with  oni'  of  our  colonels  of  mi- 
litia. 

"Thus,  for  want  of  a  little  resolution  and  skill  a  favor- 
alle  opportunity  was  lost  to  destroy  a  number  of  the  vile 
enemies  of  the  human  raee.  The  Indians,  on  their  re- 
turn, took  possession  of  the  two  boats  that  were  aba  - 
doned,and  found  in  them  17  horses,  5000  dollars  worth  <>( 
merchandize,  and  considerable  propert  v  belonging  to  the 
emigrants. 

"Fort  M'Intosh,  on  the  Ohio,  was  <  short  lime  since 
attacked  by  a  party  of  the  Indians.  I'hey  secreted 
themselves  near  the  fort,  and  succeeded  hi  killing  the  sen- 
tinel on  duty.  They  then  rushed  into  tl  e  fort,  and  dis- 
charged their  pieces  at  those  within.  One  man  only 
was  wounded,  who,  in  endeavoring  to  escape  was  toma- 
hawked by  an  Indian.  One  ball  just  grazed  the  temple 
of  Capt.  Forbes,  who  commanded  the  guard,  and  four 
others  struck  the  log  above  his  head,  the  splinters  and 
bits  of  which  cut  his  face.  The  garrison  consisted  of 
twenty  men,  and  there  were  forty  of  the  enen.y. 

"  Thus  we  find  that  Indian  treaties  do  not  secure  our 
country  from  the  depredations  of  the  savages.  Our  last 
hope  now  is,  that  the  President  of  the  United  Sates  will, 
vui  long,  adopt  such  measures  as  will  prove  the  efficiency 
of  the  Federal  Government  to  protect  the  citizcis  of  the 
United  Stales,  however  remotely  situated  from  the  seat 
of  government. 

Copy  of  a  letter  froni  a  gentleman  in  South  Carolina 
to  a  friend  in  New  York,  dated  Charleston,  Aug.  6,  1792. 

"  An  express  arrived  from  Gen.  Pickens  and  Col.  An- 
derson, which  brings  advices  to  the  governor,  stating  that 
a  general  Indian  war  on  the  western  frontiers  of  the 
southern  states  seems  inevitable;  that  by  intelligence 
from  the  country  of  the  Creeks,  all  the  trihos  except  the 
Custawas  are  determined  for  war,  urged  by  Galphin,  the 
successor  of  M'Gillivray,  and  that  they  have  already  com- 

21 


tits 


fW^DIAjr  WARtf; 


menced  ItostilTtuis  wiiHin  the  C'aroIitKi  lin«;  a  ptrrfj  af 
ihem  having,  kiilod  and^  sealjjed  a  man  m'Tugaroev-  Wtr 
hear  that  the  governor  has  ordered  one  third  of  the  miU^ 
tia-ih  the  iiypcr  districts  to  be  drafted,  aj^d'hefd  in  readi- 
ness for  immediate  service^  should  tiie  savages  make  fur- 
ther depredations  on  the  irontiers* 

"  Yesterday  evening,  a  gentJcraar   arrived  Iiere  fronr 
Atigusta,  who^  iiiformed  us   that  six  ef  the  Creek  tow  na^ 
with  a  ni*mber  of  the  Cherokees,  had  declared  war  against; 
the  United  States,  and  were  actually  marching  under  the 
eommand'of 'Bowls  aiwJ  Galphin.to  attack  tlie  fi-ontier*. 

"Oh  the  22d  ult.^  the  Indians,  37  in  number,  came  to* 
Ae  house  of  Mi*.  Richard  Thresher,  in  Augusta,  and  fired' 
upon  and  hilled  him,,  two  children  and  a  negro  woman^ 
Mrs.  Thresher, Uo  avoid!  if  possible  the  fate  with  whicfe 
»he  was  threatened',  fled  with,  an  iniant  of  about  five  or 
six  weeks  old  in  h«r  arms,,  and  leaped  into  the  river.  Thtr 
Indians  pur&ued,.  shot  her  through  each  thigh  aod.rFghi 
breast,  stabbed'her  in  the  Teft  breast  with  a  kiuTe,  cut  her 
left  arm  nearly  ofl^and  then  scafped  her.  In  this  horridP 
situation  she  remamed  until  the  neighbors  cou}d  assem- 
ble iu  sufficient  numl)ers  to  eross  the  river  and  pursue  the* 
kldians..  As  the  first  canoe  was  Grossing  she  had'strengtlt; 
enough  to  call  for  assistance.  They  went,  found  her 
hanging  by  a.  bush  in  watier,  nearly  up  to  her  chin,  her 
mfant  at  the  bouom  of  t4ie  river  a  few  yards  from  herr 
She  lived  twenty  four  lioui-s,,  and  when  informed  by  her 
physician> that  it  was  impossible  for  her  to  sui-vive  much 
Wgerr  she,  wi't4i  a  fortitude  that  is  rarely  to  be  met  with,, 
ealled  her  friends  around  her,  and  in  a.  calm  but  pathetic 
manner,  gave  her  hand  to  each  one,  wishfng  them  a  better 
fate  than-  hud  befallen  herself  and  family  ;  and  when,  af- 
ter Iwr  speech  faifed,  as  neighbors  were  continually  com- 
ing fn,  she  continued  to  give  her  hand  until  about  five- 
minutes  Ixefore  she  resigned  her  breath,,  which,  was  with- 
out a  eroan. 

"Mrsr  Thresher  was  aBout  twenty-five  years  ofagc,  of 
a  respectable  family  and  elegant  person,  and  possessed 
anuncoincQon  educatfon. 

"On  Thursday  the  24th  two  men  were  killed  in  Frank- 
lin, and  fottv  horFfs  carried  off,  and  the  people  on  tfir 


of 
Wer 

[»UV 

fur- 

lVon» 
)vynsi* 
air.st 
r  the 
bwb. 
me  to» 
[  firetf- 

vvhithi 
[ive  or 

i.rrght; 

:ul  her 
Viorfi'df 
assew- 
sue  the* 
:ieugth' 
he.r 


d 

:n,  her 
m  her, 
by  her 
e  moch^ 
t  with,, 
athetic 
[a  better- 
hen,  af- 
ly  com- 
out  five- 
s  with- 

jfogcj  «^ 
tossessei 

Frank- 
on  thr 


INDIA^K  IfARt* 


£11 


S'rotttlcTs  Imvc  relrcated.into  forts,  without  arms  or  amiini- 
lion.  At  one  meeting  df  near  Ibrty  persons  they  could 
muster  only  tivc  old  musktns  ;  and  to  heighten  the  horror 
«of  fheir  condhion,  the  Indianswere  momemapily^zpected. 

*<■  As  similar  miYrders  were  daily  committed,  it  called 
yrtp  tiie  spirit  oF  Q?.0  gallaitt  fellows,  who  marched  last 
"Week  against  tke  savages,  dcftermined  to  revenge  tho  cru- 
't>lties  perpetrated  xn\  the  infam,  the  mother  and  :the  jdo- 
Ifenceless, 

*'To  seethe  coun'ry  rtll  in  Torts, 'breaflfing  up, leaving 
nhcir  farms,  their  c^orn  unU  their  houses  1)urnt  up,  is  truly 
distressing.  At  this  time  nearly  half  the  country  Are  in 
tforts. 

"  Cftpt.  Kciiton,  with  about  thirtj'-liv'iR  m'en,  tvho  went 
viip  the  Ohio,  in  order  to  intercept  the  Indians,  \Vho  took 
Morgan^s  station,  fell  in  with  a  trail  of  a  party  of  Indians 
*Oii  the  waters  of  Point  Creek,  coming  in  tothe  setile- 
'ment.  He  followed  them,  and  at  night  oliserving 'he  was 
iaiear  them,  sent  forw.irJ  some  spies  to  discover  iheir  fires- 
*Unhicktly  the  spies  fell  in  with  their  camp,  and  before 
they  discovered  it  the  Indians  were  alarmed  "by  a  dog, 
^vhich  flew  onfat  the  spies,  upon  which  the  Indians  firetJ 
»inn  them.  The  spies  returned  fhe  fire.  Upon  hearin^the 
Ifiring,  the  whole  of  the  party  came  up,  and  the  Indians 
-retreated,  leaving  their  b«ggago,  among:  which  was  a 
'-{plant rty  of  powder,  leafl  and  blankets.  Kenton  baiS  one 
man  killed,  h  is  supposed  tvvo  Indians  were  killed  and 
^carried  off,  from   some  discoveries  that  were  made  nesrt 


vmorriiuj;?' 


Copy  of  a  letter  ft-om  fort  Washington,  "dated  A^ril  25, 

**0r»  Tuesday  morning,  the  ©th  Inst.  Major  Adair, 
•with  12)  volunteers  from  Kentucky,  having  charge  of  a 
large  number  of  pack  horses  latJen  tvith  provisions,  des- 
Ttined  for  the  advanced  posts,  was  most  daringly  attacked 
tby  nearly  an  equal  party  of  Indians,  although  under  cover 
'of  fort  St.  Clair,  notwithstanding  which,  and  that  out  peo- 
ple fought  desperately,  the  Indians  drove  them  into  the 
fort,  and  carried  off  all  their  provisions  and  horses,  l)Oth 
jpick  and  cavalry,  save  about  twenty  killed  and  four 
wounded,  and  Stripped  the  "camp  of  every  thing,  caVrying 


4 


I 


212 


INDIAN  WAuft. 


the  whole  offwitli  the  most  audacious  insult  and  triuiiitilw 
l^ut  as  soon  as  tin;  party  were  rc-supplifid  with  ^munition 
from  the  garrison,  they  sallied  fortli,  hut  too  late  to  recov*- 
er  the  booty  which  the  Indians  had  made.  'I  he  courage 
and  daring  spirit  of  these  savages  were  particularly  con- 
spicuous on  this  occasion,  as  tluiy  fought  almost  under 
the  guns  of  the  fort.  Our  loss  was  one  captain,  and  ten 
privates  killed,  and  some  woundiid,  besides  horses  and 
provisions,  estimated  at  ;^  15,000.  Tnno  of  the  enemy 
were  found  dead  a  short  distance  from  the  field  of  action. 
If  these  Indians  had  writers  among  them,  what  honorable 
testimony  and  eulogy  might  they  not  give  of  the  noble 
spirit  and  heroic  bravery  of  I'.ie  native  American  character, 
rather  than  depreciate  it  as  the  Europeans  do.  Two  of 
our  men  have  lately  made  their  escape  from  the  Miami 
villages,  an^l  arrived  here,  who  give  an  account  of  a  mock 
fight,  lately  exhibited  by  the  Indians  assembled  there,  and 
to  divert  the  squaws  and  children.  It  was  in  ridicule  of 
Gen.  St.  Clair's  disposition  of  his  troops  on  the  4lh  of  No- 
vember last,  and  of  his  llight  before  the  Indians,  who  pur- 
sued him  and  his  army,  while  others  plundered  his  cam)). 
They  have  given  out  that  they  mean  to  celebrate  this 
event  annually  by  a  like  sham  fight,  and  a  great  dance,  to 
be  called  Gen.  JSt.  Clair's  light  and  dance.  It  is  to  be 
hoped  we  yet  shall  have  an  opportunity  to  retaliate,  and  to 
teach  our  enemy  to  amuse  themselves  at  our  expense  in  u 
less  ludicrotts  manner.  Jt  seems  that  Gen.  St.  Clair's 
field  of  action  was  on  a  branch  of  the  Wabash,  twentV' 
four  leagues  trom  the  Miami  towns,  which  are  now  inhab- 
ited by  the  hostile  Indians. 

"  A  lettcT  from  a  correspondent  on  whose  veracity  wo 
can  rely,  in  the  territory  of  the  United  States,  south  of  the 
river  Ohio,  dated  the  17th  ult.,  states  that  every  thing 
wears  a  gloomy  aspect  on  the  western  frontiers ;  that 
about  the  last  of  December,  the  Cherokees  sent  in  peace 
talkers  to  Gov.  Blount,  which  were  only  intended  tch facil- 
itate the  commission  of  further  depredations  by  then), 
when  the  guards  from  our  outposts  were  withdrawn  ;  that 
from  the  16th  to  the  26th  of  January,  the  Indians  killed 
and  wounded  nineteen  persons  in  Cumberland,  among 
whom  was    Edwin   SlKlby,  brother  to  the  governor  of 


INDIAN  WARS. 


213 


lUUOU 

ecov*- 

lurngc 

)f  coii- 

undcr 

;id  ten 

;s  und 

iMieniy 

action. 

loruble 

;?  noblfi 

uacti'V, 

I  wo  ot' 
Miami 

a  inocU 

tne,  and 

licule  of 

lM)f  No- 

A\o  pur- 
is  camp. 

rate  this 
ance, lo 
is  to  be 
,  and  to 
nsc  in  a 
.  Clan's 
twenty- 
iW  inhab- 

acity  w« 
Uhot'tbc 
M-y  ibinj? 
?rs ;  that 
in  peace 
t()»facil- 
y  them, 
vn;  that 
ns  killed 
,  among 
,ernor  of 


ICentucky, ;  that  four  of  tlie  Chickamoijga  towns,  and 
the  upper  Creeks  have  declared  war;  that  the  Creeks 
have  killed  a  family  in  the  county  of  Georgia ;  that  the 
barbarity  exercised  by  them  in  this  massacre  was  enough 
•to  make  human  naiuie  shudder  at  the  bare  recital.  'I  liey 
butchered  them  like  so  many  dogs,  caught  their  blood 
and  bowels,  expOvSed  them  to  view,  and  then  gave  the 
>who!e  to  a  tame  bear  to  devour ;  that  the  Cherokecs  had 
killed  tuo  Creeks,  wouhded  several,  and  taken  two  pris- 
oners ;  that  the  Creeks  threaten  to  retaliate,  and  cut  tlicm 
all  off;  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  territory  are  waiting 
AVith  impatience  for  the  gener.il  government  to  afl'ord 
them  succor  and  protection;  tiiat  treaties  with  the  sav- 
ages will  avail  nothing,  as  what  promise  they  make  to 
day  they  will  not  hesitate  to  break  tomorrow." 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Mr.  John  Corbly,  a  baptist  min^ 
ister,  to  his  friend  in  Philadelphia,  dated  Muddv  Creek, 
Penn.  Sept.  1,  1792. 

"The  following  arc  the  particulars  of  the  destruction  of 
my  unfortunate  lamily  by  the  savages.     On  the  10th  of 
May  last,  being  my  appointment  to  preach  at  one  of  my 
meeting  houses,  about  a  mile  from   my  dwelling  house,  ( 
sat  out  with  my  loving  wife  and  five  children,  for  public 
worship.     Not  sus{)ecting  any  danger,  1  walked  behind 
n  few  rods,  with  my  Bible  in  my  hand,  meditating.     As  I 
was  thus  employed,  on  a  sudden  I  was  greatly  alarmed 
by  the  frightful  shrieks  of  my  dear  family  before  me.     I 
immediately  ran  to  their    relief  with  all  possible  speed, 
vainly  hunting  a  club  as  I  ran.     When  within  a  few  yards 
of  them,  my  poor  wife  observing  me  cried  out  to  me  to 
make  my  escape.     At  this  instant  an   Indian  ran  up  to 
shoot  me.     1  had   to  strip,  and  by,  so  doing  out  ran  him. 
My  wile* had  an  infant  in  her  arms,  which  the  Indians  kil- 
led and  scalped.     After  which  they  struck  my  wife  sever- 
al times,  but  not  bringing  her  to  the  ground,  the  Indian 
who  attempted  to  shoot  me,  approached  her  and  shot  her 
through  the  body.     Aftor   which  they  scalped  her!     My 
little  son,  about  six  years  old  they  dispatched  by  sinking 
their  hatchets  into  his  brains!     My  little  daughter,  four 
years  old,  they  in  like  manner  tomahawked  and  scalped ! 
My  eldest  daughter  attempted  an  escape  by  concealing 


u- 


214 


l^'DIATt  WIiH*. 


hersfif  in  a  Itollow  ln<e  about  six  rods  from  tl«c  fatal 
seem?  of  nc'tion.  (Wj.servitig  tiro  -indiaiis  rntiring,  as  sli« 
•HUjjposrd,  she  d<;1rl»enKply  crfirt.  n"om  tin;  place  of  her 
•ooiictvihweiit,  when  oi>c  of  the  liuliMiis  who  yet  rrmairred 
«a  ihe  grotnrd.  espying  {wr^  fan  np  to  htn*  and  whh  liis 
-tomahawk  kiiock'wd  hiM'<lo\vM  M'nd'scNl|)«d  Iipt.  13ut  bles- 
sed Ire  (jl«d  slw  yet  survives,  as  does  her  Fnile  sister, 
Tvvhom  tlw?  savages  in  like  manner  toniahaAvkf.d  and  scatp- 
cd,  'r4ti»y  luv  -nmngled  K)  a  &*hot!k'ing  degree,  but  t'lws 
doctors  riiink  there  ain;  souk;  l<()|)es -of  ilictr  recovery. 

*'  When  1  supposed  ilie  Indians  gone  4  rcrtumod  to  pe« 
vhwt  had  become  tiC  ni^' inifor lunate  fmwily,  •^vhom  alas, 
J  found  in  tlw.  situation  al*o\"c  described.  No  one,  my 
«War  irieud,  cftn  /orm  a  true  ('OH<'e^|)tioM  -of  my  fwlings  ••« 
tiMS  wiomeiit.  A  view  <')f  a  scene  so  sliocking  to  human- 
ity quite  ovMcaiHe  n»e,  I  fainted, ^md  was  unconsciously 
l)OTne  off  by  a  friend,  \\'bo  «t  that  iiiJoaK;nt  iirrived  to  njy 
reJiof, 

<*  Thus,  dear  sir,  have  1  given  j'ou  a  faithful  though  a 
short  narrative  of  the  fatal  eatastropl»e  ;  amidst  sVliich  my 
9ife  is  spared,  but  for  what  pitrposc  the  Ureal  Jehovah 
4)est  knows.  Oh,  may  1  s{)end  it  to  the  praise  and  glory 
•of  his  grace,  wiio  work«th  all  t-hings  after  the  council  of 
liis  ow-n  will.  'Ike  go\<crnment  of  the  world  and  the 
<chupch  is  in  hts  hands,  f  conclude  with  wis-liing  yon 
•every  blessing,  and  subscribe  myself  your  affectionate 
though  afiiictcd  friend  and  «nuK)r<hy  brother  in  the  gospel 
ministry." 

On  tlie  27th  S(*ptcmber,  1792,  as  fivt;  gentlenrren  were. 
t)n  tbetr  way  to  Detroit,  at  a  place  called  the  Burdle,  oa 
Lake  hlYle,4\\^j  were  suddenly  attacked  by  four  Mahagon 
or  Delaware  Indians,  armed  with  muskets  luid  tomu- 
hauics,  who  fired  on  them  and  kiUed  Mr.  Taller  and  Mr, 
IJarclay.  They  then  rushed  on  with  their  tomahawks. 
One  attacked  Mr.  Arnold,  who,  after  a  smart  struggle,  in 
which  he  received  several  wounds  in  his  head,^jitf^igaged 
himself,  and  having  a  musket  at  the  instant  f)rcsentid  hira 
by  Mr.  Stewart,  snapped  at  the  Indian,  who  nmnwdiately 
thereupon,  with  the  three  others,  fled  to  the  woods.  As 
soon  as  they  had  disappeared,  M'r.  Arnold  and  iiiseom- 
j)anions  hastened  to  the  shore  of  tb«  lake,  in  which  they 


Hi 


fflTDfAir  TfAIl^* 


£15 


,  as  ^Ik» 
of  her 
Miiaiired 
whh  his 
tut  bles- 
»  sistnr, 
1^  scatp- 
but  <\vb 
•ry. 

)d  10  ?c« 
oni  alas, 
OUR,  my 
(things  lit 
)  human- 
nsoi<»us!y 
ed  to  my 

though  t 
^niicTi  my 

Jfhovah 
and  glory 
council  of 

and  the 
^ling  yott 

ectionale 

le  gospd 

mt?n  weTc 
lurdle,  on 
Mahagoft 
uid  tomu- 
and  Mr, 
(mahawksu 
tr«ggl€,  in 


^engaged 
jcntid  hina 

nwidiirtcly 
oods.  As 
1  iiist'-om- 

hich  they 


ftnltichedf  (heir  batteau,  Imt  when  ;hout  thirty  rods  fronv! 
•h(5  shore,  they  »» ere  hailed  hy  Mr,  Van  Alsiyne,  wh(v 
during  (he  bloody  cone<;sfi>,  biid  secreted  hrmself  in  the- 
bUshe^.  He  begged  of  hh  cantpmiiotis  to  return  and 
take  hrin>  irt.  Mr.  Van  Aferyne,  it  wa»  supposed,  misun- 
derstanding hfs  fiiendy  pFoceecFed  directly  up  (he-  lake,  to 
ihe  very  spot  where  fire  Iridlaus-  were  then  ;issrm.l)led, 
who  with  iheif  toinaharwRs  instantly  dispatched  him  ;  af- 
ter which  they  followed  ther  two  survivors  in  an  oW  canoe*, 
two  or  three  nuTes  down  the  lake,  but  Ixfiug.  unable  to 
overtake  them  discontinued  (he  pursuit. 

Copy  of  a  re(ter  from  a  gentleman  in  Mariietta  to  hi» 
friend  in  Washington,  dated  March  4,   179X 

"About  two  weeks  shice  two  Mothers  by  the  name 
of  Johnson,  one  twelve  the  other  nine  years  of  age^ 
were  playing  on  the  western  bank  of  Short  Creek,  abou* 
twelve  mi^es  from  this,  skipping  stones  on  the  water- 
At  a  distance  they  discovered  two  men,  who  appeared  ta» 
be  settlers,  being  dressed  with  coJits  and  hals.  These* 
men,  to  amuse  antd  deceive  the  children,  engaged  in  the 
»amc  sport,  advancing  tmvards  the  boys,  tifl  by  degrees 
they  got  so  near  that  the  children  dbeovered  them  to  bei 
Indians  ;  but  it  was  then  too  bite  t3  make  their  escape. 
The  Indians  seized  and  carried  them  six  miles  into  the 
woods,  where  they  made  a  fire  and  took  up  their  fodg-. 
ings  for  the  night.  Their  rifles  and  tomahawks  they 
rested  against  a  tree,  and  then  laid  down,  each  Indian 
with  a  boy  on  his  arm.  The  children,  as  may  be  sup- 
posed, kept  awake.  The  eldest  began  to  move,  and 
finding  his  Indian  sound  asleep,  by  degrees  disengngedl 
himself  and  went  to  the  fire,  which  had  then  got  low, 
and  stirred  it  up  ;  the  Indian  not  waking,  he  whispered 
to  his  brother  who  likewise  crept  away,  and  both  of  them 
went  to  the  fire, 

*'  The  oldest  boy  then  observed  to  his  brother,  *  I 
thfnk  we  can  kill  these  Indians  and  get  rid  of  them.' 
The  youngest  agreed  to  the  proposal  of  attempting  it, 
Tlie  oldest  then  took  one  of  the  rifles,  and  placing  the 
muzzle,  which  he  rested  on  a  small  slick  that  be  found 
for  the  purpose,  elose  to  (he  head  of  one  of  the  Indians, 
and  conrmitting  the  execution  of  this  part  of  the  business 


$ 


2IG 


INDIAN   \VAU5}. 


iii 


;  ii 


I 


^ 


1o  his  l)i'C.t!ii'r,  ortlt-rcd  liiin  to  pull  llie  triu};('r  at  (lie  inn- 
nu!iU  hu    saw  iiiin   siriko   lini   ollur  Intlian  with    one  of 
tho    lomahiiwks.     'iMu;    olilust    };avc    fhe     sif^nal.      Tho 
yourii^iist   pullid    Ihe    (lifif^cr.     'J'lio    rillc  shot  away  llio 
lower  part  of  (lie    Indian's  furo,  and  left  him  scnseltss  j 
he   then    (old    his   brother  t«  lay  on,  for  he  had  done  the 
deed  l\)r  his  ;  afti-r    which    ho   snatched    up  the  p;un  and 
ran.      The  boy  with  the  toujahawk  ^^avc  the  stroke  vvitli 
the  wronu:  end.     The  Indian  started  on  his  seat.     'J'hc 
boy  found  the  mistake,  and  turninjj;  the  tomahawk  in  his 
luind,  f:;avc  him  another   blow  which   brought  him  to  the 
j^round.     lie  repeated  his  strokes  until  he  had   dispatch- 
ed  him,  and   then   made   the   best  of  his  way  after  his 
brother.      When  the  boys  hud  found  the  path  which  thoy 
recollected  to   have  travelled  tlie   day  bclore,   the  oldest 
fixed  his  hat  on  a  bush   as  a  directory  to   find  the  scene 
of  action  the  next  day.      The  tomahawked  Indian    was 
found  near  the  place  where  the  boys  had  left  him.     The 
odier  was  not  there,  but  was  tracked  by  his  blood,  and 
aUhou;2;h  so  'Acakened  by  his  wounds,  that  he  could  not 
raise  his  liflo  to  lire  at   the   pursuers,  they  suffered  him 
to    escape,  but    it   is    supposed   he  must    have   died   of 
his  wounds.     These  two  Indians  were  sent  out  to  rccon- 
noiter   the  best  place  for  an  a(tack,   which  Avas  to  have 
been  made   by  a  body  of  warriors  waiting  in  (he  neigh- 
borhood." 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Col  Robertson  tc  Gen.  Wash- 
ington, dated  Nashville,  Feb.  1.   I7!)3. 

*' Sir — My  aceoun(s  received  from  t'.e  Chickasaw  na- 
tion of  Indians,  we  are  informed  that  at  a  ^rand  council 
of  their  warriors,  it  was  unanimously  determined  to  com- 
mence active  oj)erations  against  the  wfiites.  The  Clur- 
okees  they  expect  will  join  tliem.  The  white  inhabi- 
tants in  this  quarter  are  drawing  together,  and  are  doing 
every  thing  possible  for  their  defence,  but  1  fear  wi(hout 
some  timely  assistance,  we  shall  all  fall  a  sacrifice  to  the 
wanton  barbarity  of  our  savage  foes,  who" we. expect  are 
now  on  their  way  to  this  j)laGe  to  the  number  of  1000. 
Major  Hall  and  his  eldest  son  fella  sacrifice  to  their  fury 
two  days  ago,  near  Bedoloe's  Lick.  They  have  killed 
about  iweniy-four  persons  in  the  course  of  a  few  months 


TNBIAN    WAR!. 


fl7 


ovmcil 

o  con:- 

Clur- 

nliabi- 

doing 
vitliout 

to  the 
ect  are 

1000. 

ir  fury 
3  killed 

iionths 


in  tliis  settlement,  besides  a  great  number  roort  trho  went 
nccir  it. 

*'  From  Burke  county  we  Icnrn  that  on  the  11th  in- 
stant two  men,  a  woman,  and  her  infant  daughter,  were 
scalped  at  William's  swamp  on  the  O^echec  river  by  a 
party  of  Indians,  'J'Uc  little  girl,  to  deter  them  from 
their  cruel  design,  held  out  a  bottle  of  honey,  telling 
them  it  was  rum,  begging  them  in  the  mean  time  to 
spare  her  life.  They  told  bcr  they  did  not  want  rum, 
but  her  hair  !  They  knocked  her  down  and  scalped  her, 
but  we  are  happy  to  learn  that  she  is  in  a  fair  way  of  re- 
covery. 

"By  a  letter  from  Kentucky  I  am  informed  that  the 
Indians  have  done  more  mischief  in  that  State  the  pres* 
cnt  year  than  for  at  least  four  years  past.  Scarcely  a 
boat  can  pass  below  Limestone  but  what  is  attacked  by 
them.  Six  or  seven  have  been  captured,  some  with  very 
valuable  lading.  By  a  prisoner  who  escaped  from  thera 
a  short  time  since,  we  are  informed  that  the  Indians 
have  procured  a  boat,  or  rather  a  kind  of  floating  battery, 
with  the  sides  built  high  and  rendered  bullet  proof. 
This  boat  is  situated  near  the  mouth  of  the  Great  Mi- 
ami. They  a  few  days  since,  captured  a  boat  in  wiiich 
were  a  Capt.  Ashley  and  his  family.  A  son  of  the  cap- 
tain, having  been  very  spirited  in  the  opposition,  the  sav- 
ages immediately  put  him  to  death,  cut  out  his  heart  and 
broiled  it,  which  they  afterwards  devoured  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  unhappy  father,  who  has  since  made  his  es- 
cape." 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Gen.  Clark  to  the  Governor  of 
the  State  of  Georgia,  dated  Long  Creek,  Sept  24,  1793. 

"  Sir — I  had  certain  information  that  a  man  was  killed 
on  the  14i(h  near  Greensborough,  by  a  party  of  six  or 
seven  Indians,  and  that  on  the  IGth,  Col.  Barber,  with 
a  small  party,  was  waylaid  by  about  fifty  or  sixty  In- 
dians, by  whom  three  of  his  party  were  killed.  This, 
together  with  a  variety  of  other  accounts  equally  alarm- 
ing, determined  me  to  raise  what  men  I  could  in  the 
course  of  twenty-four  hours,  and  march  with  them  to 
protect  the  frontiers  ;  in  which  space  of  time  I  collected 
one  hundred  and  sixty  four  men,  chiefly  volunteers,  and 

28 


-sffil. 


lis 


INDIAN    WARS. 


I  I 


I, 


procecd.ed  to  the   place  where  Col.  Harber  had  been  at- 
tacked, where  I  found  (he  bodies  of  Iho  Ihrcc  nicn  men- 
tioned above,  mangled  in  u  shockinfi;  manner,  and   after 
I  had  buried  them,  proceeded  on   the   trail  of  the  mur- 
derers as  far  as  the  south  fork  of  the  Oakmulj^oe,  where 
finding  I  had  no  chanue  of  overtaking  them,  1  left  it  and 
went  up  said  river,  until  I  met  with  ..   fresh  trail  of  In- 
dians coming  towards  our  frontier  settlements.     I  imme- 
diately turned  and  followed  this  frail  until  the  morning  of 
the  21st,  when  I   came  up  with  them.     They  had  just 
crossed   a  branch  called  Jack's  Creek,  through  a  thick 
cane  brake,  and  were  encamped  and  cooking  on  an  emir 
uence.     My  force    then   consisted  of  one   hundred  and 
thirty  men,  thirty  having  been  sent  back  on  account  of 
their  horses  having  been  tired  and  lost.     I  drew  up  my 
men  in  three  divisions,   the  right  commanded  by  Col. 
Freeman   and   Major  Clark,  who  were  ordered  to  surr 
round  and  charge  the  Indians,  which  they  did  with  such 
dexterity  and   spirit  that  they   immediately  drove   them 
from  their  encampment  back  into  the  cane  brake,  where, 
finding  it  impossible  for  them  to  escape,  they  obstinately 
returned  our  fire  until  half  past  four  o'clock,  when  thty 
ceased,  except  now  and  then  a  shot. 

*'  During  the  latter  part  of  the  action  they  seized  eve- 
ry oppoitunity  of  escaping  by  small  parties,  leaving  the 
rest  to  shift  for  themselves.  About  sun-set  I  thought  it 
most  advisable  to  draw  ofi',  as  the  men  had  suffered  for 
want  of  provisions  nearly  two  days,  and  for  want  of  wa- 
ter during  the  action,  but  more  particularly  to  take  care 
of  the  wounded,  which  amounted  to  eleven  ;  and  six 
killed.  Fj'om  every  circumstance  I  am  certain  there 
were  not  less  than  twenty  five  Indians  killed,  and  proba- 
bly double  that  number  wounded.  In  short  they  were 
totally  defeated,  with  tiie  loss  of  their  provisions,  clotli- 
ing,  &C.,  consisting  of  the  following  articles  ;  four  mus- 
kets, thirty  two  brass  kettles,  and  one  hundred  large 
packs,  containing-  blankets,  match  coats,  boots,  mocca- 
sons,  tomahawks,  pipes,  upwards  of  one  hundred  halters 
?ind  bridles,  &,c.,  from  all  of  which  I  judge  their  number 
was  fully  equal  to  ours.  Col.  Freeman  and  Major 
Clarke  distinguished  themselves,  and  from  the  spirit  and 


INDIAN    WARS. 


219 


n  at-' 
men- 
afUr 
mur- 
vhcre 
t  and 
f  In- 
mnic- 
inj;  of 
d  just 
thick 
[1  emir 
id  and 
)unt  of 
up  my 
y  Col. 
to  sur-: 
Lh  such 
Q   them 
where, 
linately 
en  they 

ed  cvc- 
rinp;  the 
ought  it 
ed  for 
of  wa- 
{c  care 
and  six 
in  there 
proba- 
cy were 
clotli- 
ur  mus- 
d   large 
mocca- 
halters 
number 
1   Major 
pir. t  and 


er( 


bravery  with  which  the  whole  of  mj  little  party  acted 
during  tiie  action  1  do  not  believe  that  had  wg  met  them 
in  tlje  open  woods  we  should  have  been  more  than  fivo 
niinufes  in  destroying  them  all. 

''  While  I  was  on  this  excursion  two  skirmishes  hap- 
pened near  Grccnsborough,  in  one  of  which  one  man 
was  wounded,  jind  in  the  other  six  stands  of  arms  were 
lost,  bein^  guardi^d  by  only  two  men,  while  the  rest  of 
the  parly  were  gathering  fodder." 

C  )py  of  a  letter  from  an  ofliccr  in  the  service  of  the 
United  States,  to  his  friend  in  New  York,  dated  Buffalo 
Creek,  Sept.  27,  1793. 

"  1  left  ibrt  Franklin  the  3d  inst.  and  arrived  here  the 
1 1  th  in  the  evening,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Winney,  who 
informs  me  that  upwards  of  4!00()  hostile  Indians  were 
now  assembled  at  the  Miami  villages,  and  that  their 
number  was  daily  increasing.  Capt.  Powell  and  sever- 
al other  gentlemen  of  the  British  arnTy,  dined  with  me 
yesterday,  and  from  their  conversation  I  am  perfectly 
convinced  that  the  Indians  are  supported  by  the  British 
in  the  war  against  us.  Indeed,  Captain  Powell  told  me 
that  all  the  intentions  of  the  Indians  were  well  known  to 
them,  and  the  Indians  were  their  allies,  and  of  course 
they  musi  support  them.  He  also  informed  me  that  ten 
scouts  of  the  hostile  Indians  were  then  out  to  strike  on 
the  frontiers,  and  they  would  soon  attack  the  Six  Na- 
tions. Some  of  the  chiefs  of  the  hostile  Indians  passed 
here  about  five  days  ago,  on  their  way  to  Canada,  but 
what  their  business'  is  I  cannot  learn." 


f « 


'    220 


inDlAPf    WAIil. 


CHAP.    \i 


DRFCAT  or  Tnit  INDIANS  ON  THE  MIAMI9  DY  OCN    WAVISt 


After  tlie  defeat  of  two  nrmirs,  and  the  <>;r('nt  sulVcr-' 
ings  of  the  inhabitants  liy  tho  Indians,  n4  related  in  the 
preceding  chapter,  our  government  canju  <o  the  determi- 
nation to  n<Iopt  more  ellVclivc  nicasures  for  the  protec- 
tion of  tho  western  frontiers.  Gen.  Anlliony  Way  no 
was  appointed  to  the  conimand  of  the  forces  raised  for 
that  purpose,  and  ordered  to  proceed  against  tho  hostile 
Indians,  who  had*as»*.MnbIod  in  great  force  on  the  river 
Miumis.  lie  gained  a  decisive  victory  over  ihem^  whielj 
put  an  and  to  their  depredatioa*  for  several  years.  The 
particulars  of  the  battle  are  related  in  the  following  ofll- 
cial  despatch  from  h'lm  to  the  secretary  of  war. 

•'  It  is  with  infinite  pleasure  that  I  announce  to  you 
th«  brilliant  success  of  the  l''edoral  army  under  my  com- 
mand, in  a  general  action  with  the  combined  force  of  the 
hostile  Indians,  and  a  considerable  number  of  the  volun- 
teers and  militia  of  Detroit,  on  tho  £Olh  of  August, 
1794,  on  the  banks  of  the  iVliamis,  in  the  vicinity  of  tho 
British  post  and  garrison  at  the  foot  of  the  rapids. 

"  The  army  advanced  at  Roach  de  IJout  on  the  15th, 
and  on  the  19lh  we  were  employed  in  making  a  tempo- 
rary post  for  the  reception  of  our  stores  and  baggage, 
and  in  reconnoitering  the  position  of  the  enemy,  who 
were  encamped  behind  a  thick  bushy  wood  and  the  Brit- 
ish fort. 

"  At  3  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  SOth,  the  army 
again  advanced  in  columns  agreeably  to  the  standing 
order  of  tho  march  ;  the  legion  on  the  right,  its  right 
flank  covered  by  the  Aliamis  ;  one  brigade  of  mounted 
volunteers  on  the  left,  under  Brig.  Clen.  Todd,  and 
tha  other  in  the  rear  under  Brig.    Gen.  Barbee.     A 


tWDIAN    IVAnn. 


0  >| 


15th, 
cmpo- 

,  wlio 
Brit- 


right 


Bc\vvi  hnttalion  of  monnfod  yohjiitrm  movrfl  in  front 
of  iho  Irgion  commjiiitliid  hy  Mnjor  l*ri(!r,  who  wn»  di- 
rect«d  to  keep  suiricicntly  Hdvimccd,  nnd  to  give  tinifly 
notice  for  tho  troops  lo  form  in  cnna  of  action,  it  hcinjz; 
yet  undctorminod  whether  tho  Indians  would  decide  for 
pence  or  war. 

"  After  advancing  al)out  five  n^des,  Major  Prico'i 
corps  received  so  severe  a  fire  from  tho  enemy,  who 
yfurc  secreted  in  tho  woods  and  high  gross,  as  to  com- 
pel thom  to  retreat, 

'*  Thc!  h'gion  was  immediattdy  forn.ed  in  two  lines,  prin 
cipnlly  in  n  close  thick  wooil  which  extended  for  miles 
on  our  left,  and  for  a  very  considerahle  distance  in  front, 
tho  ground  h(!ing  covered  with  old  fillon  timber,  proba- 
bly occasioned  by  a  tornado,  whicii  rendered  it  imprac- 
ticable for  the  cavalry  to  act  with  clfect,  and  afforded 
the  enemy  the  most  favoralilc  covert  for  their  mode  of 
warfare.  The  savages  were  formed  in  three  lines,  with- 
in supporting  distance  of  each  other,  and  extending  for 
near  two  miles  at  right  angles  with  the  river.  1  soon 
discovered  from  the  weight  of  the  fire  and  extent  of  their 
lines,  that  tho  enemy  were  in  full  force  in  front,  in  pos* 
session  of  their  favorite  ground,  and  endeavoring  to  turn 
our  left  flank.  I  therefore  gave  orders  for  the  second 
line  to  advance  to  support  the  first,  and  directed  Major 
Ccncral  Scott  to  gain  and  turn  the  right  flank  of  the 
savages,  with  tho  whole  o(  the  mounted  volunteers  by  a 
circuitous  roulo.  At  the  same  time  I  ordered  the  front 
line  to  advance  and  charge  with  trailed  arms,  and  rouse 
the  Indians  from  their  covert  at  the  point  of  the  bayon- 
et, and  when  up  to  deliver  a  close  and  well  directed  fire 
on  their  backs,  followed  by  a  brisk  charge,  so  as  not  to 
give  them  time  to  load  again  or  to  form  their  lines.  I 
also  ordered  Capt.  M.  Campbell,  who  commanded  the 
legionary  cavalry,  to  turn  the  left  flank  of  the  enemy 
next  the  river,  and  which  afforded  a  favorable  field  for 
that  corps  to  act  in.  All  these  orders  were  obeyed  with 
spirit  and  promptitude  ;  but  such  Wins  the  impetuosity  of 
the  charge  by  the  first  line  of  infantry,  that  the  Indians 
and  Canadian  militia  and  volunteers  were  driven  from  all 
thoir  coverts  in  so  short  a  time,  that  although  erery  pos- 


INDIAN    WARi. 


II 


siblc  exertion  was  used  by  llio  oflirers  of  lljn  second  lino 
of  llio  legiiin,  and  by  CjI«'Ms.  Srolt,  Wood  and  IJiirbce  of 
tlio  niountt'd  volunttiors,  to  gain  tbtiir  proper  positions, 
but  part  of  each  could  ^r.i  up  in  season  to  particij)ato  in 
the  action,  the  em-niy  l)ein|;  driven  in  the  course  of  one 
iiour  more  than  two  njilos  liirough  the  thick  woods  al- 
ready nuMitioncd,  by  Ii-ss  lluin  one  half  their  number. 

"  From  every  account  the  enemy  amoimled  to  2000 
combatants.  'I'he  trooj)s  actually  enj;a<;ed  a;^ainst  theui 
Were  short  of  !)00.  Tliis  horde  of  sava}i;es,  with  their 
allies,  abandoned  themselves  fo  fli/^ht  and  dispersed  with 
terror  and  dismay,  leaving  our  victorious  nrniy  in  full 
and  quiet  possession  of  thii  field  of  battle,  which  termi- 
nated under  the  inlluenco  of  the  guns  of  the  ilritish  gar- 
rison.' 

"  The  brpvcry  and  conduct  of  every  otTiccr  belonging 
to  the  army,  from  the  generals  dqwn  to  the  ensigns,  merit 
my  approbation. 

"  Lieut.  Covington,  upon  whom  the  command  of  the 
cavalry  devolved,  (Capt.  CambcU  being  killed,)  cut 
down  two  savages  with  his  own  hand,  and  Lieut.  Webb 
one  in  turning  the  enemy's  left  (lank. 

*'  The  wounds  received  by  Captains  Slough,  Prior, 
Van  Ransclacr,  and  Rawlins,  and  Lieuts.  M' Kenny,  and 
Smith,  bear  honorable  testimony  of  their  bravery  and 
conduct.  In  fact  every  officer  and  soldier  who  had  an 
opportunity  to  come  into,  action,  displayed  that  true 
bravery  which  always  ensures  success.  And  here  per- 
mit mo  to  declare  that  I  never  discovered  more  true 
spirit  and  anxiety  for  action  than  appeared  to  pervade 
the  whole  of  the  mounted  volunteers,  and  1  am  well  per- 
suaded that  had  the  enemy  maintained  t*>eir  favorite 
ground  for  one  half  hour  longer,  they  would  hive  felt 
most  severely  the  prowess  of  that  corps. 

"  But  whilst  I  pay  this  just  tribute  to  the  living,  I 
must  not  neglect  the  gallant  dead,  among  whom  we  have 
to  lament  the  early  death  of  those  worthy  and  brave  offi- 
cers, Capt.  Campbell  and  Lieut.  Towles,  who  fell  in  the 
first  charge. 

*'  The  loss  of  tlic  enemy  was  more  than  double  to 
that  of  the  Federal  army.     The  woods  were  strewed  for 


INDIAN     WAKS. 


223 


and 
and 

Eld  an 
true 
per- 
true 

rvade 
pcr- 

^oritc 
felt 


"6'  ' 

have 
e  offi- 
in  the 


6  considerable  distance  witii  dead  bodice  of  Indliins  and 
their  white  auxiliaiit-s,  the  hiltcr  arnud  with  nrilish 
muskets  and  bayonets.  We  rcriiaiiud  tiirce  days  and 
nights  on  the  l>aitks  of  the  Miainis  in  front  of  tHe  i\  Id 
of  battle,  durinjr  which  time  all  tin?  houses  and  corn- 
fields were  consumed  and  dc'stroycd  for  a  considerable 
distance  above  and  bidow  llie  garrison,  auion^  which 
were  the  houses,  stores  and  property  of  Col.  IM'Kee, 
the  British  InHian  a^onl,  and  principal  stimulator  of  the 
war  now  existini;  between  the  United  Stales  and  the  sav- 


ages. 


"  The  army  returned  to  h(;ad  quarters  on  the  27th, 
by  easy  marclu;;',  laying  waste  (he  villages  and  corn- 
fields lor  about  fifty  miles  on  each  side  of  the  Miamis. 
It  is  not  improbable  but  that  the  enemy  may  make  one 
desperate  action  against  the  army,  as  it  is  said  a  rein- 
forcement was  hourly  expected  at  Fort  Miamis  from 
Niagara,  as  well  as  numerous  tribes  of  Indians  living  on 
the  margins  and  islands  of  the  lakes  This  is  an  event 
rather  to  be  ivished  for  than  dreaded  whilst  the  army  re- 
mains in  force,  their  numbers  will  only  tend  to  confuse 
the  savages,  and  the  victory  will  be  the  more  complete 
and  decisive,  and  which  may  eventually  ensure  a  perma- 
nent and  happy  peace.    Total  killed, ^}8,  wounded,  JOl." 

Ths  following  circumstances  which  took  place  previous 
to  and  during  Gen.  Wayne's  engagement,  are  worthy  of 
record. 

At  the  instant  Capt.  Campbell  was  attempting  to  turn 
the  left  Hank  of  the  enemy,  thiee  of  them  plunged  into 
the  river.  Two  friendly  negroes  being  on  the  opposite 
side,  and  observing  the  Indians  making  for  the  shore, 
they  placed  themselves  on  the  bank  behind  a  log,  and  as 
soon  as  the  Indians  approached  within  shot,  one  of  the 
negroes  fired  and  killed  one  of  the  Indians,  the  other 
two  got  hold  of  him  to  drag  him  out,  when  the  other  ne- 
gro fired  and  killed  another  ;  the  remaining  Indian  got 
hold  of  both  the  dead  to  pull  them  ashore,  when  the  ne- 
gro who  killed  the  first  iiaving  again  reloaded,  fired  and 
killed  the  third,  and  they  all  floated  down  the  river. 

Another  circumstance  is  also  related,  viz.  A  soldier, 
soon  after  the  conclusion  of  the  action,  proceeding  some 


U24, 


INDIAN    WARS. 


I 


distance  from  the  camp,  met  an  Indian,  they  attacked 
each  other,  the  soldier  with  his  bayonet,  and  the  Indian 
with  bis  tomahawk.  Some  of  tiie  soldiers  passing  by 
that  way  two -days  after,  found  them  both  dead,  the  sol- 
dier with  his  bayonet  in  the  body  of  the  Indian,  and 
the  Indian  with  his  tomahawk  in  the  soldier's  head. 

The  following  circumstances  took  place  previous  to 
the  action.  A  Mr.  Wells,  who,  when  very  young,  was 
taken  prisoner  by  the  Indians,  and  had  resided  several 
years  among  them,  had  made  his  escape,  and  was  em- 
ployed by  Gen.  Wayne  as  a  spy.  The  day  before  the 
action  he  was  taken  by  the  Indians,  who  determined  to  put 
him  to  death.  Finding  it  impossible  to  ascape  he  inform- 
ed them  that  Gen.  Wayne  bad  not  five  hundred  men  under 
his  command,  and  did  not  expect  an  attack.  On  hearing 
this,  the  Indians  attacked  Gen.  Wayne,  with  a  confi- 
dence inspired  by  their  supposed  superiority  of  numbers, 
and  were  repulsed  as  before  mentioned.  After  the  ac- 
tion. Major  Campbell,  in  whose  custody  the  Indians  had 
left  Wells,  inquired  his  motives  for  deceivinac  them  ;  he 
answered,  ''  for  the  good  of  my  country."  For  this  he- 
roic action  he  was  unfeelingly  delivered  to  the  Indians, 
in  whose  hands  it  is  supposed  he  experienced  every  tor- 
ture that  savage  barbarity  could  invent  or  inflict.  The 
circumstances  respecting  Mr.  Wells  were  related  to 
Gen.  Wayne  by  a  British  drummer  who  deserted  fronx 
the  fort. 

A  council  of  Indians  was  hold  a  fow  days  after  their 
defeat  by  Gen.  Wayne,  in  which  British  agents  endeav- 
ored to  persuade  them  to  risk  anothfir  action,  but  this 
they  refused  to  do,  expressing  a  willingness  to  bury  the 
bloody  hatchet  and  return  to.  their  homes.  Their  loss 
they  declared  to  be  two  hundred,  and  that  their  whole 
force  at  the  commencement  of  the  action  amounted  to 
J 500  Indians  and  eighty  Canadians.  The  body  of  the 
collector  of  Niagara  was  found  among  the  slain. 


CJtDJAN   WARa. 


925 


CHAP.  XIL 


EXPEDITION  OF  GEN.  WILLIAM  H.  HAURISON  AGAINST  THE  SAViU 
GES  ON  THE  WABASIL     BAITLE  OF  TIPPECANOE. 


he- 


1  their 

leav- 

|t  this 

the 

loss 

Ivhole 

led  to 

the 


W«  should  have  been  extretncly  happy  to  have  clos- 
ed the  list  of  savage  barbarities  with  the  last  chapter,  but 
after  a  cessation  of  hostilities  on  their  part  of  more  than 
sixteen  years,  we  iind  them  once  mot  e  collecting  in .  a 
formidable  body  on  our  frontiers,  and  (instigated  by  a 
blood  thirsty  savage  of  the  Shavvance  tribe,  termed  •'  the 
Prophet,")  commencing  an  unprovoked  attack  on  the 
American  troops  stationed  there. 

The  conduct  of  the  Wabash  Indians  becoming  suspi- 
cious to  our  government,  in  consequence  of  their  many 
thievish  excursions  and  hasty  preparations  for  an  offen- 
sive att^jck,  Gen.  Harrison,  ubo  was  Governor  of 
the  Northwestern  Territory,  with  2000  men,  (three 
hundred  and  fifty  regulars,  and  the  remainder  militia) 
were  ordered  to  proceed  from  the  neighborhood  of  Vin- 
ccnnes  to  tt.tj  line,  and  demand  of  the  Prophet  the  object 
of  his  real  indentions.  The  troops  commenced  their 
march  on  the  26th  September,  and  nothing  important 
occurred  till  their  arrival  on  the  line,  where  they  re- 
mained near  a  month,  and  built  a  strong  fort,  which 
in  honor  of  the  commander  in  chief  was  called  fort 
Harrison.  The  Indians  in  a  friendly  manner  almost 
evdry  day  visited  the  camp,  and  held  councils  with  the 
governor,  but  would  not  accede  to  his  terms,  which 
were,  that  their  leader  (the  Prophet,)  should  give  up  the 
property  stolen  from  the  Americans,  and  send  all  their 
warriors  to  their  different  tribes;  the  governor  there- 
fore determined  on  attacking  him.  On  the  29lh  of  Oc- 
tober, 181 1,  the  troops  took  up  their  lino  of  march  for 

29 


■  $. 


f*^- 


2f^ 


INDIAN  WARS. 


the  Prophet's  town,  where  they  anivcd  on  tlie  Ctli  No- 
vember. When  within  about  half  a  mile  of  tl)c  town 
the  troops  formed  the  line  of  battle,  which  the  Indians 
pcrceivingr  sent  three  of  their  chiefs  with  a  flag  of  truce, 
begging  that  their  lives  might  be  spared,  pledging  then> 
selves  that  they  would  not  lake  up  the  tomahawk  against 
the  troops,  and  that  if  they  would  encamp  near  the  town, 
in  the  morning  they  would  come  to  such  terms  as  the 
governor  should  propose.  This  lulled  the  tro  )ps  into 
security,  and  they  encamped  about  half  a  mile  back  of 
the  town.  Fifteen  minutes  before  five  o'clock  the  next 
morning,  the  savages  commenced  a  furious  attack  on 
the  left  flank  of  the  troops,  but  not  a  single  gun  was 
fired  by  the  sentirtels  or  the  guard  in  that  direction,  nor 
did  they  make  the  least  resistance,  but  abandoned  their 
office  and  fled  into  camp  ;  and  the  first  notice  which  the 
troops  of  that  flank  had  of  the  danger,  was  from  the 
yells  of  the  savages  within  a  short  distance  of  the  line "; 
bat  even  under  those  circumstances,  the  men  were  not 
wanting  to  themselves  or  the  occasion.  Such  of  them 
as  were  awake  or  were  easily  awakened,  seized  their 
arms  and  took  their  stations  ;  others,  who  were  more 
tardy,  had  to  contend  with  the  enemy  in  the  very  doors 
of  their  tents.  The  storm  first  fell  upon  Capt.  Barton's 
company  of  the  kh  U.  S.  regiment,  and  Capt.  Geigcr's 
eompany  of  mounted  riflemen,  which  formed  the  left  an- 
gle of  the  rear  line.  The  fire  upon  these  was  exces- 
sively sfevere,  and  they  suffered  severely  before  relief 
could  be  brought  to  them  Some  few  Indians  passed 
into  the  encampment  near  the  angle,  and  one  or  two 
penetrated  to  some  distance  before  they  were  killed. 

Under  all  these  discouraging  circumstances,  the  troops, 
nineteen  twentieths  of  whom  had  never  been  in  action 
before,  behaved  in  a  manner  that  can  never  be  too  much 
applauded.  They  took  their  places  witiiout  noise,  and 
with  less  confusion  than  could  have  been  expected  from 
veterans  placed  in  a  similar  situation.  As  sjon  as  the 
governor  could  mount  his  horse  he  rodo  to  the  an<^le  that 
was  attacked.  He  found  that  Barton's  company  had 
suffered  severely,  and  the  left  of  Gciger's  entirely  brok- 


I 

I 


INDIAN  WARS. 


227 


MgCl's 

left  an- 

CXCC'S- 

reliof 
assed 

r  two 

d. 

roops, 

action 
iiiueh 

|e,  and 

from 

s  the 

e  that 

ly  had 
brok- 


en* Me  immediately  ordered  Cook's  company  and  the 
late  Capt,  Wentworth's  under  Lieut.  Peters,  to  be 
brought  up  from  the  centre  of  the  rear  line,  where  the 
ground  Was  much  m-)re  defensible,  and  formed  across 
the  angle  in  support  of  Harton  and  Geiger's.  His  atten- 
tion ivas  there  engaged  by  a  heavy  firing  upon  the  left 
of  the  frjnt  line,  where  were  stationed  the  small  com- 
jKiiiy  of  t!ie  U.  S.  riflemen,  (then  however  armed  with 
muskets)  and  the  compiinies  of  Baen,  Snelling  and  Pres- 
cott,  of  the  'kli  regiment.  He  found  Maj.  Daviess  form- 
ing the  dragoons  in  the  rear  cS  those  companies,  and  un- 
derstanding UkU  the  heaviest  part  of  the  enemy's  fire  pro- 
ceeded from  some  trees  about  lifteen  or  twenty  paces  in 
front  of  those  companies,  he  directed  the  major  to  dis- 
lodge them  with  a  part  of  his  dragoons.  Unfortunately 
the  major's  gallantry  determined  him  to  execute  the  order 
with  a  smaller  force  than  was  sufficient,  which  enabled 
t!ie  enemy  to  avoid  him  in  front  and  attack  his  flanks. 
H^.  was  mortally  wounded  and  his  party  driven  back. 
The  Indians  were,  however,  immediately  and  gallantly 
dislodged  from  their  advantageous  position  by  Capt. 
Snelling  at  the  head  of  his  company.  In  the  course  of  r^ 
a  few  minutes  after  the  commencement  of  the  attack,  the 
fire  extended  along  the  left  flank  and  part  of  the  rear  line. 
Upon  Spencer's  mounted  riflemen,  and  the  right  of  War- 
wick's company,  which  was  posted  on  the  right  of  the 
rear  line,  it  was  excessively  severe.  Capt.  Spencer,  and 
his  first  and  second  Lieuts.  were  killed,  and  Capt.  War- 
wick was  mortally  wounded.  These  companies  however, 
still  bravely  maintained  their  posts ;  but  Spencer's  had 
suflfered  so  severely,  and  haying  origiiially  too  much  ground 
to  occupy,  the  commander  reiiiforced  him  with  Kobb's 
company  of  rifiemen,  which  had  been  driven,  or  by  mis- 
take ordered  from  their  position  on  the  left  flank  towards 
the  centre  of  the  camp,  and  filled  the  vacancy  that  had 
been  occupied  by  Robb,  with  Prescott's  company  of  the 
4th  U.  S.  regiment.  His  great  object  was  to  keep  the 
lines  entire,  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  breaking  into  the  ■ . 
camp  until  daylight,  which  would  enable  them  to  make 
a  general  and  effectual  charge.  With  this  view  he  had 
reinforced  every  part  of  the  line  that  had  suffered  much, 


■iL% 


22a 


INDIAN  WARS. 


and  as  soon  as  the  appro  ich  of  morning  tfiscovereJ  itseff, 
he  withdrew  from  the  front  line,  Snelling,  Poesy,  (under 
Lieut.  Albright,)  and  Scott^s  companies,  and  from  the 
rear  Hnc  Wilson  and  Norris's  companies,  and  drew  them 
upon  the  left  flank  ;  at  the  same  time  ordered  Cook  and 
Baen's  companies,  the  former  from  the  rear  and  the  lat- 
ter from  the  front  line,  to  reinforce  the  right  flank,  forsee- 
ing  that  at  these  points  the  enemy  would  make  their  last 
efforts.  Major  Wells  who  commanded  on  the  left  flank, 
not  knowing  his  intentions  precisely,  had  taken  the  com- 
mand of  these  companies,  and  had  charged  the  enemy 
before  he  had  formed  the  body  of  dragoons,  with  which 
he  meant  to  support  the  infantry  ;  a  small  detachment  of 
these  were  ready,  and  pmved  amply  sufficient  for  ihc 
purpose ;  the  Indians  were  thrown  into  confusion:^  and 
driven  by  the  infantry  at  the  point  of  the  Iwyonrt,  and 
the  dragoon^  pursued  and  forced  them  into  a  marsh,  where 
ihejr  could  not  be  followed.  Capt.  Cook  and  I.ieut.  Lar- 
rabee  had  marched  their  companies  to  the  right  flank, 
had  formed  them  imdi-r  the  fire  of  the  enemy,  and  being 
then  joined  by  the  riflemen  of  that  flank,  they  charged  the 
Indians,  killed  a  number,  and  put  the  rest  to  a  precipitate 
flight. 

The  action  was  maintained  with  the  greatest  obstina- 
cy and  perseverance  by  both  parties.  The  Indians  mnn- 
ifested  a  ferocity  qalie  uncommon  even  with  them.  .  To 
their  savage  fury  our  troops  opposed  that  cool  and  delib- 
erate valor,  which  is  characteristic  of  the  christian  soldier. 

Capt.  Spencer  was  wounded  in  the  head.  He  exhorted 
his  men  to  fight  valiantly.  He  was  shot  through  both 
thighs,  and  fell,  still  continuing  to  encourage  them.  He 
was  raised  up,  and  rfceived  a  bajl  through  his  body, 
which  put  an  immediate  end  to  his  existence.  Capt. 
Warwick  was  shot  immediately  through  the  body.  Being 
taken  to  the  surgery  to  be  dressed,  as  soon  as  it  was  over 
(being  a  man  of  great  bodily  vigor  and  still  able  to  walk) 
he  insisted  opon  going  back  to  head  his  company,  al- 
though it  was  evident  he  had  but  a  few  hours  to  live. 

There  were  188  of  the  troops  killed  and  wounded.  It 
is  supposed  the  enemy  were  about  700  strong,  and  that 
ihjey  had  lost  about  400  in   the  engagement.     The  day 


IWDIAN  WAns. 


529 


'S 


;d  the? 
ipitate 

)stina- 
man- 
To 
dellb- 
loldier. 
lorled 
both 
He 
body, 
Capt. 
Being 
is  over 
walk) 
ly,  al- 

.     It 

that 

le  day 


succeeding  the  action,  the  troops  set  fire  to  the  town, 
and  destroyed  every  thing  valuiibh',  and  the  niorning  en- 
suing struck  their  tents  and  commcnerd  iheir  niarcli  for 
Vincennes,  where  they  arrived  in  safety  alter  a  most 
fatiguing  campaign  of  55  days,  and  marcliing  the  distance 
of  320  miles. 

The  victory  gained  by  Gen.  Harrison  at  1  ippccance 
was  justly  deemed  of  the  greatest  importance  to  the 
country.  President  Madison  in  his  Message  to  Congress 
soon  after,  says: 

*'  Congress  will  see,  with  satisfaction,  the  dauntless 
spirit  .and  fortitude,  victoriously  displayed,  by  every  de- 
scription of  the  troo|)s  engaged,  as  well  as  the  collected 
firmness  which  distinguished  their  commander,  on  an 
occasion  requiring  the  utmost  exertion  of  valor  and  disci- 
pline^. It  may  reasonably  be  expected  that  the  good 
effects  of  a  critical  defeat  and  dispersion  of  a  combination 
of  savages  which  appears  to  have  been  spreading  to  a 
greater  extent,  will  be  experienced,  not  only  in  the  cessa- 
tion of  the  murders,  and  depredations  committed  on  our 
frontier,  but  in  the  prevention  of  any  hostile  incursions 
otherwise  to  have  been  apprehended." 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Cji(  '^.  Harrison  to  the  Secretory 
of  War,  dated  Vincennes,  D  c.  14,  Ibll. 
>  *'Sir— I  have  the  honor  to  iiif'orm  you  that  two  principal 
chiefs  of  the  Kickapoos  of  the  prairie  arrived  here  bear- 
ing a  flag,  on  the  evening  before  last.  They  informed 
that  they  came  in  consequence  of  a  message  from  the 
chief  of  that  part  of  the  Kickapoos  which  had  joined 
the  Prophet,  requiring  them  to  do  so,  and  that  the  said  chief 
is  to  be  here  in  a  day  or  two.  The  account  which  they 
gave  of  the  late  confederacy  under  the  Prophet  is  as  fol- 
lows. 

"  The  Prophet,  with  his  Shawances,  is  at  a  small 
Huron  village  about  12  miles  from  his  former  residence, 
on  this  side  the  Wabash-,  where  also  arc  12  or  15  Murons. 
The  Kickapoos  are  encamped  near  the  Tippecanoe. 
The  Powtawsiomies  have  scattered  and  gone  to  different 
villages  of  that  tribe.  The  Winnebagoes  had  all  set  out 
on  their  return  to  their  own  country,  excepting  one  chief 
and  nine  men  who  remained  al  their  former  village.  The 


230 


INDIAN   VYAKS. 


latter  luiJ  attcnJiiJ  Tecumsch  in  liis  tour  to  lljc  south- 
Nvard,  and  had  only  rettirnod  to  tho  l*roph<t's  town  the 
d;iy*"bcfore  the  action.  The  Propliot  hud  sent  a  message 
to  the  Kickapoos  of  the  prairie,  to  request  that  he  might 
be'  permitted  to  retire  to  their  town.  This  wi  s  positively 
refused,  and  a  warning  sent  to  him  not  to  come  there. 
IJe  thm  sent  to  n  quest  that  four  of  his  men  might  at- 
tend the  Kickcipoo  chief  hero.     This  was  also  refused. 

*-The:ic  chiefs  say  on  the  whole,  that  all  the  tribes  who 
lost  warriors  in  the  late  action  atlribute  their  misfortunes 
to  the  Prophet  alonc^  ;  that  th«'y  constantly  reproach 
him  with  their  misfoi  tunes,  and  threaten  him  with  death  ; 
thrjt  they  are  all  desirous  of  making  their  per.cft  wixh  the 
United  States;  tliat  the  Prophet's  lollowers  were  fully 
impressed  with  a  belief  that  they  could  defeat  us  with 
ease;  that  it  was  their  intention  to  have  attacked  us  at 
Fort  Harrisbn  if  we  had  gone  higher  ;  that  the  attack 
made  on  our  sentinels  at  Fort  Harrison  was  intended  to 
shut  the  door  against  the  accommodation  ;  that  the  Win- 
nebagoes  had  forty  warriors  killed  in  the  action,  and  the 
Kickapoos  eleven,  and  ten  wounded;  that  they  have 
never  heard  how  many  I'oltawatomies  and  other  tribes 
were  killed;  that  the  Pottawatomie  chief  left  bv  me  on 
the  battle  ground  is  since  dead  of  his  wounds,  but  that 
ho  faithfully  delivered  my  speech  to  the  different  tribes, 
and  warmly  urged  them  to  abandon  the  Prophet  and 
subiiiit  to  my  terms. 

"  I  cai  not  say  how  much  of  the  above  may  Le  de- 
pended on.  I  believe,  however,  that  the  statement  made 
by  the  chief  is  generally  correct,  particulaily  with  re- 
gard to  the  present  disposition  of  the  Indians.  It  is 
certain  that  our  frontiers  have  never  enjoyed  more  pro- 
■found  tranquillity  than  at  this  lime.  Before  the  expedi- 
tion nut  a  fortnight  passed  over  without  some  vexatious 
depredation  being  committed.  The  Kickapoo  chiefs 
certainly  t^ll  an  untruth;  when  they  say  that  tl.erc  were 
but  eleven  of  tliis  tribe  killed  and  ten  wounded.  It  is 
impossible  to  believe  that  fewer  were  wounded  than 
'"'  knowled^ie,  h  nvever,  that  the  Indians 


icy 


'tSM 


have  never   sustained    so   severe   a    defeat   since    their 

acquaintance  \\\\.\\  the  Avhite  peoplr.''* 


m 


INDIAN  WARS. 


231 


M 


CIIVP.  XIII. 


GEN.  HARRISON'S  ENGACjIEMENTS  WITII  THE  INDIANS  DURING 
THE  LATE  WAR  WITH  GREAT  BRITAIN.  GALLANT  DEFENCE  OF 
FORT  MEIGS.  ATTACK  ON  FORT  STEPHENSON.  BATTLE  OF  THE 
THAMES.    DEATH  OF  TECUMSEH. 


;e  (le- 

made 

111   rc- 

It  is 

pro- 

:pcdi- 
latlous 

;hiofs 

were 

It  is 

than 

idians 
their 


In  the  course  of  the  late  war  which  prevailed  between 
America  and  Great  Britain,  the  latter  having  engaged 
many  of  the  savages  in  her  rause^  Gen.  Harrison  (who 
was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  volunteers  and 
drafted  militia  of  Ohio,  &:c.)  held  a  council  with  a  number 
of  Indian  Chiefs  who  had  professed  neutral  sentiments,  to 
whom  he  made  three  propositions  :  *•  to  take  up  ?irms  ii> 
behalf  of  the  United  States — to  remove  within  the  lines 
and  remain  neutral — or,  to  go  to  t'je  enemy  and  seek 
their  protection."  After  a  short  consultation,  many  of 
them  accepted  the  first,  and  made  preparations  to  accom- 
pany him  in  the  invasion  of  Canada. 

After  the  surrender  of  Detroit  to  the  British  forces 
under  Gen.  Brock,  the  whole  northwestern  frontier  be- 
came exposed  to  the  inroads  of  the  enemy.  Gen.  Brock 
having  been  killed  at  the  battle  of  Queenston,  the  com- 
mand of  the  British  army  devolved  upon  Gen.  Proctor. 
who  had  under  him  a  large  body  of  regular  troops,  with 
all  the  savages  friendly  to  the  English,  who  had  joined 
him  in  great  numbers,  and  were  commanded  by  the  famous 
Tecumseh.  Their  head-quarters  w-as  established  at  Mai- 
den ;  and  frequent  attacks  were  made  by  them  upon  the 
settlements  on  the  frontiers  of  Ohio  and  Indiana. 

Our  government  at  this  lime  adopted  the  most  eflficient 
measures  in  their  power,  to  not  only  defend  the  frontier 
inhabitants  from  their  savage  enemies,  but  to  recover  what 
had   been  lost,  by  carrying  the  war  into  the  enemy'i 


■K^X^ 


232 


INDIAN  WAUl. 


1( 


roiintry.  Large?  bodies  of  volunteers  were  raided  by  the 
W«?stern  states,  who  were  ordered,  with  tlie  drafted 
militia,  to  immediately  join  the  western  army,  which  wai 
|)la(ed  under  the  command  of  Gen.  VVm.  H.  Harrison. 

'I'he  first  of  SepteniLcr,  1812,  a  considerable  body  of 
Rrhish  and  Indians  proceeded  from  fort  Maiden,  to  lay 
waste  the  frontiers  of  Ohio.  A  principal  object  appears 
to  liave  been  the  capture  of  fort  Wayne.  They  burnt 
several  valuable  buildings,  and  killed  many  of  the  inhabit- 
ants ;  among  whom  was  a  brother  of  Gov.  Meigs. 

On  the  8th  of  November,  a  detachment  of  seven  hun- 
dred men,  commanded  by  Col.  Campbell,  left  Franklinton 
on  an  expedition  against  the  Miami  Indians,  residing  at 
the  head  of  the  Wabash.  On  the  I7ih  December,  they 
reached  one  of  their  villages,  killed  eight  warriors,  and 
took  thirty  six  prisoners.  They  set  fire  to  the  village, 
and  encaniped  a  few  miles  therefrom.  A  little  before  the 
break  of  day,  they  were  attacked  by  the  exasperated 
savages  in  their  camp,  shouting  and  yelling  horribly. 

Tile  Americans  sustained  the  attack  until  day-light, 
when  the  Indians  were  charged  and  dispersed  with  the 
loss  of  thirty-five  killed.  The  loss  of  the  American  troops 
was  eight  killed  and  twenty-nine  wounded. 

On  the  14th  of  January,  1813,  Col.  Lewis  was  des- 
patched to  attack  a  large  body  of  Indians  encamped  near 
the  river  Raisin.  On  the  18th  the  attack  commenced  ; 
on  the  first  onset  the  savages  raised  their  accustomed  yell, 
but  the  nois3  was  drowned  in  tli.^  returning  shouts  of 
their  dauntless  assailants.  They  advanced  boldly  to  the 
charge  and  drove  them  in  all  directions.  On  the  first 
fire  sixteen  of  the  Indians  fell.  About  forty  were  killed. 
Col.  Lewis's  party  lost  twelve  killed  and  fifty-two 
wounded. 

On  the  18th,  Gen.  Winchester  proceeded  with  a 
reinforcement  of  eight  hundred  men  to  the  village  of 
iTenchtown.  On  the  22d,  they  were  attacked  by  a  com- 
bined force  of  the  enemy  under  the  command  of  Tetumseh 
and  ifroctor.  The  American  troops  were  in  a  moment 
ready  for  the  reception  of  the  enemy.  The  right  wing 
sustained  the  attack  for  about  thirty  minutes,  when,  over- 
powered by  numbers,  they  retreated  over  the  river,  and 


Irafted 
I'-h  wai 
son. 
tody  of 

to  lay 
ippeara 
y  burnt 
inhabit- 
in  hun- 
iklinton 
iding  at 
jr,  they 
srs,  and 

village* 
sfore  the 
spc  rated 

jly. 

ay-light, 
with  the 
in  troops 


with  a 
[llage  of 
|y  a  com- 
letumseh 

moment 
[ht  wing 

sn,  over- 
Iver,  and 


V  M)  1 A  .N   n  A  :i  $ . 


SS$ 


were  rnel  h\  h  Irtrge  boJy  ol  hidiaus.  The  iroopa  finding 
ihcir  retreat  cut  olt,  Kvsolvcd  lo  sell  tlicir  lives  as  dear  as 
possil)!'.',  ;uid  ion:;lit  with  desperation;  but  few  of" these 
brave  fellows,  however,  escajx^l  the  tomahawk.  The 
left  wiii;^  wiiii  v(\'.\;\\  hi.ivcry  maintniiied  theii^  ground 
within  tlieir  pickets.  'IIk^  Indians  and  regular*  made 
tlnet;  diJlereiit  ehaivjes  upon  them,  but  the  troops,  with 
the  most  det(>rmint;d  bravery  and  presence  of  mind, 
reserved  their  fire  mitil  tiu^,  enemy  advanced  within  point 
\  'nk  shot ;  they  then  opemd  u  most  {^ailing  fire  upon 
them,  and  mo\v<;d  dowii  iheir  ranks  imtil  they  were  xrom- 
pelled  to  retreat  in  eoiifiision.  The  Americans  lost  nearly 
four  i.'undred  men  it»  killed  and  wounded,  and  missing. 
The  courn,",e  of  brave  men  was  never  more  severely 
tested.  The  party  that  sougiit  a  retreat  at  the  connnienee- 
mont  of  the  action,  were  closely  pursued,  surrounded  and 
literally  cut  to  pieces'  by  the  savages.  Not  one  escaped 
Uie  scalping  knife  ! 

On  the  oOtli  of  .Tanuary,  Gen.  Harrison  despatched 
Capt.  Lamor,  Doctor  M'KeerdKm  and  a  Frenchn.an  with 
a  (lag  of  truce  to  Maiden.  They  fncaniped  the  first  night 
near  the  rapids,  and  hoisted  the  white  flag ;  but  this  was 
not  respect(,'d.  The  Indians,  fired  upon  them  while  asleep, 
killed  Lamor,  wounded  Doctor  M'Keenhan  and  took  him 
ind  the  I'renclpnan  prisoners.  • 

Gen.  Harrison  received  information  that  a  large  body 
of  Indians  were  collected  on  Presquc  Isle,  near  tho 
Miami,  on  the  9th  of  February  proceeded  with  a  detach- 
ment tf)  attack  them.  The  enemy  fled  on  the  approach 
of  the  'roops,  which  pursiied  them  almost  to  the  river 
Raisin,  but  withoiit  being  cnat)led  to  overtake  them. 
Such  was  their  desire  to  come  up  v\  fth  the  foe  that  they 
jnarched  si>;ty  miles  in  twenty-four  hotns. 

The  hostile  Indians  continued  to  make  inroads  into  the 
settlements  and  commitHxl  many  murders.  An  event 
took  place,  however,  that  served  in  some  measure  to  check 
the  audacity  of  the  Indians.  As  Col.  Ball,. with  a  small 
squadron,  was  descending  the  Sandusky,  the  foremost  of 
his  party  vvere  fired  upon  b\  a  band  of  eighteen  or  twenty 
Indians,  who  had  .placed  themselves  in  ambush  for  the 
purpose  of  intercepting   the  mail  carrier.     '1  he  Colonel 

SO  ,    ~^> 


234 


INDIAN    WARS. 


initantlj  charged  upon  them,  and  drove  them  from  (h«ir 
hiding  place,  The  ground  was  favourable  for  cavalry, 
and  the  savages  finding  neither  mercy  nor  the  possibility 
of  escape,  whooped  and  shouted  horribly,  and  fought  des- 
perately till  they  were  all  to  a  man  cut  to  pieces.  Col. 
Ball  was  twice  dismounted,  lyid  opposed  in  personal  con- 
test to  an  Indian  of  giganvic  stature  It  was  a  desperate 
and  doubUul  struggle  ;  life  was  at  stake  ;  both  exert«'d 
to  the  utmost.  An  officer  rode  up  and  rescued  the 
colonel,  by  shouting  the  Indian  through  the  head.  Not 
an  Indian  after  this  ventured  to  cross  the  Sandusky  in 
quest  of  plunder. 

If  the  massacre  of  the  river  Raisin  filled  the  west  with 
sorrow,  it  also  awakened  there  a  sense  of  indignation  and 
outrage,  of  which  the  effects  were  afterwards  seen.  Its 
immediate  influence  was  prejudicial  to  the  objects  of  the 
campaign.  Winchester's  own  movement  had  been  not 
only  without  the  knowledge  or  consent  of  Harrison,  but 
contrary  to  his  views  and  plans  for  the  conduct  of  the 
campaign.  When  he  heard  that  the  movement  had  been 
niade,  he  and  those  about  him  felt  that  it  was  to  the  last 
degree  imprudent,  and  looked  for  nothing  less  from  it  than 
the  certain  and  inevitable  destruction  of  the  Itft  wing  of 
the  army,  which  had  thus  thrown  itself  into  the  very  jaws 
of  the  enemy,  and  away  from  the  possibility  of  succor. 
On  the  evening  of  the  16th,  being  at  upper  Sandusky,  he 
received  from  Col.  PerWus,  at  Lower  Sandusky,  intelli- 
gence for  the  first  time,  that  Winchester,  having  arrived 
at  the  Rapids,  meditated  some  unknown  movement 
against  the  enemy.  Alarmed  at  this,  and  ignorant  what 
it  implied.  Gen.  Harrison  gave  orders  for  the  advance  of 
troops  and  artillery,  and  hastened  to  Lower  Sandusky 
himself.  Here  he  was  met  by  information  from  the 
Rapids  of  the  march  of  Col.  Lewis  to  Frenchtown.  Fresh 
troops  were  immediately  put  in  motion,  by  forced  marches 
for  the  Rapids ;  to  whicli  point  he  himself  pushed  with 
the  utmost  speed.  All  the  disposable  troops  at  the  Rapids 
and  others,  as  they  came  in,  were  ordered  on  with 
anxious  expedition ;  but  they  were  met  on  the  road  by 
the  fugitives  from  the  field  of  battle,  and  nothing  remain- 
ed but  to  protect  them  and  the  houseless  people  of  French- 


INDIAN    WAIIS. 


235 


n  tlitir 
javalry, 
^sibiliiy 
rht  des- 
.  Col. 
nal  con- 
jsperate 
exerted 
jed  the 
d.  Not 
lusky  in 

est  with 
tion  and 
en.     Its 
ts  of  the 
jeen  not 
ison,  but 
:t  of  the 
rad  been 
the  last 
11  it  than 
t  wing  of 
'er}'  jaws 
succor, 
lusky,  he 
y,  intelH- 
arrived 
lovement 
ant  what 
Ivante  of 
Sandusky 
\om  the 
n.  Fresh 
marches 
led  with 
le  Rapids 
on  with 
road  by 
■  remain- 
f  French- 


lown.  In  short,  all  possible  efforts  were  made  to  protect 
Winchoster  from  the  apprehended  consequences  of  his 
own  iiludvised  acts. 

Alter  this,  in  expectation  of  an  attack  on  the  position 
at  the  Hapids,  the  army  fell  back  to  the  portage,  to  admit 
of  an  expected  reinforcement  under  Gen.  Lefiwich ;  on 
the  arrival  of  whiih,  thi)  position  at  the  Rapids  on  the 
tjast  bank  of  the  Miami,  was  resumed,  and  strongly  forti- 
fied as  the  winter-quarters  of  the  army  ;  it  was  called 
Camp  Meigs,  in  honor  of  the  Governor  of  Ohio. 

This  position  being  attacked  by  the  British,  became  the 
scene  of  a  brilliant  triumph  to  the  armb  of  the  United 
States.  So  soon  as  it  became  known  that  the  attack  was 
contemplated,  Gen,  Harrison,  having  made  arrangements 
for  strong  reinforcements  to  follow  him,  repaired  to  Camp 
Meigs  to  conduct  the  defence  of  it  in  person.  The 
enemy  made  his  appearance  on  the  26th  of  April ;  con- 
sisting of  a  numerous  force,  British  and  Indians,  com- 
rannded  by  Gen.  Proctor ;  who,  having  ascended  on  the 
north  side  of  the  Miami  in  boats,  landed  at  old  Fort 
Miami,  and  proceeded  to  construct  there  powerful  bat- 
teries, directly  opposite  the  American' camp.  Meanwhile, 
our  troops  had  thrown  up  a  breastwork  of  earth,  twelve 
feet  in  height,  traversing  the  camp  in  rear  of  the  tents,  so 
that  when  the  batteries  of  the  enemy  were  completed  and 
mounted,  und  his  fire  opened,  the  tents  of  the  Americans 
l)eing  struck  and  removed  to  the  rear  of  the  traverse, 
were  completely  sheltered  and  protected.  A  severe  fire 
was  now  kept  up  on  both  sides  until  the  4th  of.  Mdy, 
when  intelligence  reached  the  camp  ol  the  approach  oif 
the  expected  reinforcements,  composed  of  a  brigade  of 
Kentucky  militia  under  Gen.  Green  Clay. 

Gen.  Harrison  immediately  determined  to  make  a  bold 
effort,  by  a  sortie  from  the  camp,  combined  with  an  attack 
of  the  enemy's  lines  by  Gen.  Clay,  to  raise  the  siege. 
Orders  accordingly  were  despatched  to  Gen.  Clay,  re- 
quiring him  that>  instead  of  forming  an  immediate  junction 
with  the  garrison,  he  should  detach  eight  hundred  of  his 
men  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  inhere  two  of  the 
British  batteries  were,  turn  and  take  the  batteries,  spike 
the   cannon,   and  destroy   the   gun-carriages,  and   then " 


T"' 


rsc 


iWDlAN     TAikJlJ. 


I 


Tty^n'm  the  boats  ?is  s()(>rrlily  as  possible,  whiU*  th«^  rrmain- 
cirr  (.!'  tli«i  brigade  slionlil 'land  and  fi-lit  ihcir  way  into 
the  eauij),  so  a-,  (o  l'a\or  a  soiiin  to  be  made  bv  the  liarri- 
soii  a;^ainst  lh<^  third  and  inAy  roniainin^  Hiiri.sh  l)att«ry. 
'I'hi.s  plan  ably  cojiceived,  and  jnoinised  the  best  lesi.lts. 
Gon.  (..'lay,  alter  detachini::  Col.  Dudlev  to  hind  on  the 
west  side  of  liie  JMiaini,  loii-^hi  bis  way  safely  into  the 
can»p.  A  part  of  ihe  garrison  also,  iindi.T  Col.  (now  On.) 
Mijhf-,  cousiMing  in  part  of  rei2,ular  troops  and  the  residue 
militia  ajid  Kentucky  vohmtctTS,  {gallantly  aiisatdtcd  and 
carried  the  bat'ery  on  the  eastern  bank,  inad(!  a  nurnbt;r 
of  prisoners  and  drove  the  iJrilish  and  Indians  from  their 
line=!. 

Meanwhile,  if.)iidit'y  had  landed  his  pien,  and  charged 
and  carried  the  two  batleri<'.s  without  the  loss  oi  a  man. 
Unhappily  the.sc  jiaijant  eiiizens  mqy?.  net  .'^tiffieientlj 
aware  of  ihi'u  ex])o.sed  .situation,  and  of  ihe  ni^cessity  of 
retreating  to  their  boats,  in  punctual  observance  of  «t"heir 
orders,  so  soon  as  they  sh  mid  have  destroyed  the  enemy's 
artillery.  Instead  of  this,  tliey  were,  witiiout  due  con- 
sideration, drawn  into  a  I'l^ht  with  some  straggling 
Indians,  and  so  detaint-d  until  Procter  had  time  to  inter- 
pose a  stroni^  force  hi  tuecn  (lum  and  the  means  of  re- 
treat. 'I^he  res'dt  was  the  desirucllon  nilher  than  defeat 
of  the  detachment,  for  th.-co  fourths  of  it  were  .made 
captives  or  slain.  Ttie  I'ritish  arms  weie  ay.ain  disltonor- 
fid  by  givini;  up  the  pr^oners  to  be  inassacred  by  the 
Indiatii.  Ihjdiey  ai,d  many  of  his  ( c/uipanions  were 
tomahawked  at  once.  Others  of  the  jai^oners  were  put 
into  Fort  Miami,  for  the  Indians  to  stand  on  ilie  ramparts 
and  firo  into  the  disaimed  crowd.  Thoi-e  Indian;-,  who 
chose,  selected  their  victims,  ltd  them  to  the  gateway, 
and  there,  tt/rder  ihe  (ye  of  Cni.  Proctor  and  irf  ikc 
presence  (f  the  icliole  Bvlthh  army,  marcUrcd  and  scalped 
them.  Not  until  'i\;ciunseh  cnme  up  froin  the  l)aUeries 
uid.the  slaughter  cease.  '•'  Vuv  shame  !  it  is  a  disgrace  to 
kdl  defenceless  prisoners!"  -he  exclaimed,  thus  dis'playinir 
more  of  humanity  than  Pioctor  himself. 

Unfortunate  us  this  incident  wus,  the  events  of  the 
da|  satisfied  i'roctor  tiuit  he  could  not  coittinue  the  si<>;^e 
wjth    any    hw|.,'    of  ?,ucce:?s.      He  rf?olved  to    retr*\at,    to 


ly  into 

^;uri- 

;ai«ry. 

on  the 
mo  I  he 
V  (ieti.) 
residue 
td  and 
niiniber 
in  their 

rhaigrd 
a  inuii. 
"t'cienllj 
3ssity  ot 
of  ithoii- 
[MHJiny's 
lie  c'.uri- 
la'^aling 
)   iutcr- 
s  of   )c- 
n  delcat 
e    niadt; 
■•<l',onor- 
hy  thu 
:^    were 
crc  pui 
nmparts 
ir3,  who 
atcv/ny, 
1/  ?n*  ?./?r,' 
scalped 
)aUeruvs 
iirace  to 
rpiayinu; 

of    thi' 
|»»at,    to 


i:xpiA.t    WAU*< 


5J7 


cover  which  he  st-T,  in  a  lliig  uf  trnco,  rccjtiiiin::;  the 
Immi'dialo  surrender  of  Iho  American  post  and  army,  as 
*'  the  only  rncan^  h  f l  for  savin;;'  t!ie  hitter  fioni  the. 
to'n.diawks  and  sciljiina;  knives  of  the  savages-"  Con- 
sidering I  Ins  ba.s(!  and  insi»l«!nt  niessagc  unworty  of  ',<iiy 
seriou.-i  notice,  (ien.  Marri'jon  .'•iiuply  admonished  I'roc- 
tor  not  to  repeat  it.  .With  which  manly  and  (hicidci 
answer  l^roctor  being  pt'rfurcc  content,  ha.slily  broke  t.p 
his  camp,  and  retreated  in  disgrace  and  confusion  towards 
Mahjen. 

In  May  following,  howcyer,  Proctor,  tliinking  to 
surprise  Fort  Meigs,  made  a  second  attack  npoj»  if,  with 
u  large  force  of  IJriu.sh  re,;ulars  and  Canadians,  and 
several  thousand  Indians  under 'recumsfeh,  but  wa.-i  ngain 
obliged  to  retreat  in  disgrace. 

On  the  first   day  of  August,  Gen,    Pi(Jctor   a|  pcarcd 
with  tive  hundred  regul  irs  and    ab<.  'it    eight  hundred  In- 
dians of  the  most  ferocious  kind,  before  Tort  Stephenson, 
twenty  niihis  above   (he  mouth   of  the   river    Sandusky. 
There  were  not  mare  than  one  hundrc'  and  thirty-three 
elfcctivp  uitu  in  the  garrison,  and  the  works  covered  ono 
acre     i  ground  ;  it  was  a  mere  out-post  of  little  import 
ante  ,   and   Gen.  Harrison,   acting    with   the  unanimous 
advice  of  his  council  of  war,  had  sent   orders  to  Major 
Croghan,  who  commanded  tiie  garrison,  to  evacuate   the 
fort,  and  make    good   his   retreat  to   head-quarters^  pro- 
vided the  enemy  should  approach  the  j)lace  with  artillery, 
and  a  retreat   be   practicable.     But  the   Tirst   step  taken 
by  Proctor  was  to  isolate  th.   tort  by  a  ciM'don  of  Indians, 
thus  leaving  lo  Mnjor  Croghan    no   choice    but  between 
resistance    and   submission.     A  "  messenger  was  sent  to 
demand  the  surrender  of  tho  fort,      lie  was  met  'by    En- 

fCM'  observed  that   Gen. 


sign  Shipp,  to  whom  the  mcsser^ 
Pi'oct)r  had  a  considerable  body  of  regular  troops,  and 
a  great  many  Indians,  whom  it  was  impossible  to  control, 
and  if  the  fort  was  taken  by  force,  he  must  expect  that 
the  mildest  instjuments  made  use  of  would  h'\  the  tonru- 
iiawk  and  scalping  knife  !  Shipp  replied,  that  it  was 
the  commander's  intention  to  defend  the  garrison  or  be 
buried  in  if,  and  that  they  miglit  do  their  woist.  Tho 
niyw.^enger, 'Startled  al  tha  reply  of  Shipp,  aj;ain  addressed 


233 


INDIAN    WAllS. 


mil 


(I 


^ 


^jallant  Sliipp  turned 
imtnediately  seize 


You  arc  a  fine  young  man,  I  pity  your  situn» 
tion,  for  God's  sak(5  surrender,  and  prevent  the  dreadful 
slaughter  which  must  inevitably  follow  resistance!"  The 

from  him  with  indignation,  and  was 
by  a   frightful   looking  savage,  who 
attempted  to  wrest  his  sword  from  him,  but  the   Ensign 
was  fortunately  too  quick  for  him,  and  buried  the  blade 
to  the  hilt  in   his   body,  and   succeeded  in   reaching  the 
fort  in    safety.     The   attack  now  commenced.     About 
four  P.   M.    all  the   enemy's   guns   were    (soncentrated 
against  the  northwestern  angle  of  the  fort,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  making  a  breach.     To  counteract   the  eflfect  of 
their    fire,    tho    commander   caused   that    point    to    be 
strengthened  by  means  of  bags  of  tiour,   sand  and  other 
materials,  in  such  a  manner  that  the  balls  of  the  enemy 
did  but  Ijttle  injury.     But  the  enemy  supposed  that  their 
fire  had  sufficiently  shattered   the  pickets,  advanced  to 
the  number  of  six  hundred  to   storm  the   place,  the  In- 
dians shouting  in  their  usual  manner.     As   soon   as  the 
ditch  was  pretty  well  filled   with  the  copper-coloured 
assailants,    the    commander  of  the   fort  ordered    a   six 
pounder,  which  had  been  masked  in  the  block-house,  to 
be  discharged.    It  had  been  loaded  with  a  double  charge 
of  musket  balls  and  slugs.     The  piece  completely  raked 
the  ditch  from  end  to  end.     The  yell  of  the  savages  was 
at  this  instant  horrible.     The  first  fire   levelled   the  one 
half  in   death  j  the   second   and   third   cither  killed  or 
wounded  all   except   eleven,  who   were   ctjvered    by  tho 
dead  bodies.     The  Americans  had   but   one  killed   and 
seven  slightly  wounded.    Early  the  ensuing  morning  the 
few  regulars  and  Indians    that  survived,  retreated  down 
tijc  river,  abandoning  all  their  baggage. 

The  time  was  now  at  hand  when  Gen.  Harrison  and 
his  army  were  to  reach  the  full  completion  of  all  tho 
contemplated  objects  of  the  expedition. 

Among  the  earliest  recommendations  of  Gen.  Harrison 
to  the  Government  the  year  before,  and  immediately 
after  he  commenced  operatsons,  had  been  that  of  con- 
structing and  equipping  a  naval  armament  on  the  Lakes. 
In  one  letter  he  says  :  "  Admitting  that  Maiden  and 
Detroit  are  both  taken,  Mackinaw   and  St.  Joseph  will 


INDIAN    WARS. 


iSO 


ling 


ir  situa- 
dreadful 
!"  The 
and  wus 
ge,  who 
Ensign 
be  blade 
the 
About 
entrated 
Lhe  pur- 
effect  of 
t    to    be 
id  other 
e  enemy 
hat  their 
anced  to 
,  the  In- 
i   as  the 
coloured 
d    a   six 
lOUse,  to 
d  charge 
ly  raited 
iges  was 
the  one 
cilled  or 
by  the 
led   and 
ning  the 
cd  down 

son   and 
all   the 

lanison 
ediately 
ot  con- 
;  Lakes. 
Jen  and 
c[)\\  will 


both  remain  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy  until  we  can 
create  a  force  capable  of  contending  with  the  vessels 
which  the  British  have  in  Lake  Michigan,  Slc."  And. 
again,  in  another  letter  :  "  Should  an  offensive  opera- 
tion be  suspended  until  spring,  it  is  my  decided  opinion 
that  the  cheapest  and  most  effectual  plan  will  be  to  ob" 
tain  command  of  Lake  Erie.  This  being  once  effected, 
every  difficulty  will  be  removed.  An  army  of  four 
thousand  men,  landed  on  the  north  side  of  the  lake,  be- 
low Maiden,  will  reduce  that  place,  retake  Detroit,  and 
with  the  aid  of  the  fleet,  proceed  down  the  lake  to  co-* 
operate  with  the  army  from  Niagara."  These  sagacious 
instructions  being  repeatedly  and  strenuously  urged  by 
him,  and  reinforced  also  from  other  quarters,  were 
adopted  and  acted  upon  by  the  government.  Commo- 
dore Perry  was  commissioned  to  build,  equip,  and  com- 
mand the  contemplated  fleet ;  and,  on  the  lOth  of  Sep- 
tember, with  an  inferior  force,  he  met  the  enemy,  and 
gained  the  brilliant  victory  of  Lake  Erie. 

Meanwhile,  Col.  Richard  M.  Johnson,  then  a  member 
of  Congress  from  Kentucky,  had  devised  the  organiza- 
tion of  two  regiments  of  mounted  militia,  which  he  was 
authorized  by  the  Government  to  raise,  as  well  for  ser- 
vice against  the  Indians,  as  to  co-operate  with  Harrison, 
Col,  Johnson  crossed  the  country  of  Lower  Sandusky, 
where  he  received  orders  from  the  War  Department  to 
proceed  to  Kashaskia  to  operate  in  that  quarter  ;  but, 
by  the  interference  of  Harrison,  and  at  the  urgent  re- 
quest of  Col.  Johnson — who  said  for  himself  and  his 
men  that  the  first  object  of  their  hearts  was  to  accom- 
pany Harrison  to  Detroit  and  Canada,  and  t.o  partake  in 
the  danger  and  honor  of  that  expedition,  under  an  officer 
in  whom  they  had  confidence,  and  who  had  approved 
himself  "to  be  wise,  prudent,  and  brave"— the  orders 
of  the  Department  were  countermanded,  and  Col.  John- 
son attained  his  wish. 

Gen.  Harrison  now  prepared  to  strike  the  great  blow. 
Aided  by  the  energetic  efforts  of  Gov.  Meigs,  of  Ohio, 
and  Gov.  Shelby,  of  Kentucky,  he  had  ready  on  the 
southern  shore  of  Lake  Krie,  by  the  middle  of  Septem- 
ber, a  competent  force  destined  for  the   immediate  inva- 


''VV: 


UQ 


INDIAN    WARS- 


r 


i 


sion  of  Cunuda.  Between  the  ICJi  and  the  24th  o^ 
September,  the  artillery,  military  stores,  provisio»ns,  and 
troops,  were  gradually  embarked,  and  on  the  27th  the 
Nvijole  army  proceeded  to  the  Canada  shore.  ''  Remem- 
ber the  river  Raisin,"  said  Gen.  Harrison,  in  his  a3- 
dress  to  the  troops,  "  but  remember  it  only  whilst  victory 
is  suspended.  The  revenue  of  a  soldier  cannot  be 
gratified  on  a  fallen  enemy,"  The  army  landed  in  high 
spii  its  ;  but  the  enemy  had  abandoned  his  strong  hold 
and  retreated  to  Sandwich—after  dismantling  Maiden, 
burning  the  barrncks  and  navy  yard,  and  stripping  the 
adjacent  country  of  horses  and  cattle.  Gen.  Harrison 
encamped  that  nisjht  on  the  ruins  of  Maiden. 

On  the  2nd  October  arrangements  were  made  for 
pers'jing  the  retreating  enemy  up  the  Thames.  The 
army  was  put  in  inotien  on  tiic  inoi-ning  of  the  4th. 
Gen.  Harrison  accompanied  Col,  Johnson,  and  was  fol- 
lowed by  Gov.  Shelby  with  the  infantry.  Having  pass- 
ed the  ground  where  the  enemy  had  encamped  the  night 
before,  the  general  directed  the  advance  of  Col.Johnson^s 
regiment  to  accelerate  their  march,  for  the  purpose  of 
ascertaiii^ing  the  distance  of  the  enemy. 

Tlie  troops  had  now  advanced  within  three  miles  of 
the  Moravian  town,  and  witiiin  one  mile  of  the  enemy. 
Across  a  narrow  strip  of  land  near  an  Indian  village,  the 
enemy  were  drawn  up  in  a  line  of  battle,  to  prevent  the 
advance  of  the  American  troops.  The  British  troops 
amounted  to  six  hundred  ;  the  Indians  to  more  tiian 
twelve  hundred.  About  one  hundred  and  fifty  regulars, 
under  Col.  I^all,  were  ordered  to  advance  and  innuse  tlie 
enemy,  and  should  a  favorable  opportunity  present  to 
seize  his  cannon.  A  small  party  of  fi'ier.dly  Indians 
were  directed  to  move  un.d^r  the  bank.  The  regiment 
of  Col.  Johnson  was  drawn  up  in  close  col'imn,  svith  its 
right  a  few  yards  distant  from  the  road.  Gen.  Desha's 
division  covered  the  left  of  Johnson's  regiment.  Gen. 
Cass  and  Commodore  Perry  volunteered  as  aids  to  Gen, 
Harrison. 

On  the  5(h  th»  enemy  was  discovered  in  a  position 
skilfully  chose-n,  in  relation  as  well  to  local  circumstances 
as  to  the  character  of  his  troops.     A  noi-row  strip  of  dry 


>.. 


■■■'wr.' 


ith  of 

s,  and 
th  the 
emem- 
lis  aa- 
victory 
not    be 
in  high 
,g   hold 
lalden, 
ling  the 
[arrison 


lade  for 
5.  The 
the  4th. 
was  fol- 
ng  pass- 
ho  night 
ohnson^s 
rposc  of 

iiiilcs  of 
(>nemy. 
Ilage,  the 
vent  the 
;h  troops 
ire   than 
•e<:^"uhirs, 
iniuse  the 
lie  sent  to 
Indians 
regiment 
Cvith  its 
Dcshii's 
.      Gi'n. 
tu  Gen, 

position 
hnstances 
rip  of  dry 


VlfDiAN   WAXt. 


HI 


I 


land,  flanked  by  the  river  Thame;s  on  the  left  acd  by .  a 
swamp  on  the  right,  was  occupied  by  his  roejular  infantrj 
and  artillery,  while  on  the  right  flank  lay  Tecumseh  and 
his  followers,  on  the  eastern  margin  of  the  swamp.  But, 
notwithstanding  the  judicious  choice  of  the  ground, 
Proctor  had  conmiitted  the  error  of  forming  his  infantry 
in  open  order.  Availing  himself  of  this  fact,  and  aware 
t4iat  troops  so  disposed  could  not  resist  a  char^je  of 
mounted, men,  he  directed  Col.  Johnson  to  tiash  tbi'ough 
the  enemy's  line  in  column.  The  movement  was  made 
with  briiliiint  success.  Xhc  mounted  men  charged  with 
promptitude  and  vigor,  broke  through  the  line  of  tRe 
enemy,  formed  in  the  rear,  and  assailed  the  broken  line 
with  a  succesft  seldom  equalled,  for  nearly  the  whole  of 
the  British  regular  force  were  either  kii4ed,  wounded  or 
taken,  ''■  ^ 

On  the  left  the  contest  v/as  much  more  serious.    Col, 
Johnson's  regiment  being  there  stationed,  received  a 
galling  tire  from  the  Indians,  who  seemed   not  disposed 
to  give  ground.     The  colonel  gallantly  led  his  men  into 
the  midst  of  them,  and   was   personally  attacked   by  a 
chief,  whom  he  despatched  with  his  cutlass  at  thi   mo* 
rnent  the  former  was  aiming  a  blow  at  him  with  his  torn- 
€ili:iwk.     Tim  savages,  finding  the  Are  of  the  troops  too 
warm  for  them,  fled   across  the   hills  and   attempted  to 
seek  shelter  in  a  piece  of  woods  on  the  lift,  where  they 
were  closely  pursucnl  by  the  cavalry.     At  the  margin  of 
tlic   wood    t'ecumseh   stationed   himself,   armed   with  a 
spi^ar,  tomahawk,  &,c.  endeavoring  to  rhily  and  persuade 
his  men  to  return  to. the  attack.     At  this  point  a  consid- 
.erahle   body  of   Indians   had   collected  ;  but  this  brave 
savage  saw  thtit  the  fortune  of  the  day  was  against  him, 
and   the   battle   was    lost.     Proctor   had   cowardly   fled 
from  the  field  and  left  him  and  his  warriors  alone  to  sus- 
tain themselves  against  a  far   superior  force  ;  and  that 
there  was    no  chance  of  contending   with  any   hope   of 
success,     lie  therefore  stood,  like  a   true  hero,  disdain 
i.ig  to  fly,  ;.nd  was,  with  many  of  his  bravest  warriors 
around  him,  shot  down    by  the  Kentucky  riflemen.     It 
has  been  published  to  the  world,  and  by  many  believed, 
that  this  distinguished  warrior  was  killed  by  a  pistol  shot 

SI 


■^■m 


242 


IVDtAV  WARS. 


from  Col.  Johnson  ;  but  (hrs  is  undoubtedly  a  mfstnlvC,, 
which  probably  originated  from  the  circumstance  of  the 
colonel's  having  killed  a  chiel  by  whom  he  was  attacked, 
as  ^us  before  been  related.  That  he  fill  by  a  rifle  shot 
there  can  be  no  doubt  ;  but  by  whom  fired,  it  was  not 
cer^ainhy  known,  or  probably  never  can  be  satisfactorily 
proved.  No  less  than  six  of  the  riflemen  and  twenty- 
two  Indians  fell  within  tweniy-five  yards  of  the  spot 
where  Tecumseh  was  killed.  [See  Frontispiece.] 

The  Indians  continued  a  brisk  fire  from  the  margin  of 
the  wood  until  a  fresh  regiment  was  called  into  action  to 
oppose  tiiem.  A  company  of  cavjvlry  having  crossed  the 
hills  and  gained  the  rear  of  the  savag*  s,  the  route 
became  general.  They  fought  bravely,  ai>d  sustained  a 
hi»avy  loss  in  killed  and  wounded.  'I' he  death  of  theiff 
leader,  Tecumseh:  was  an  irreparable  loss  to  them* 

Tecuniseh  was  the  most  extraordinary  Indian  that  has 
ever  appeared  in  history.  Me  was  by  bir'.h  a  Sliawa- 
neese,  and  world  have  been  a  great  man  in.  ai>y  age  or 
nation.  Independent  of  the  most  consummate  courage 
and  i'kill  as  a  warrior,  and  all  the  characteristic  ajute- 
ness  of  hia  race,, he  was  endowed  by  nature  with  the 
attributes  of  mind  necessary  for  great  political  combina- 
tions. His  acute  understanding,  very  early  in  life,  in- 
formed him  that  his  countrymen  had  lost  their  importanee; 
that  they  Avere  gradually  yielding  to  tiie  Whites,  who 
were  acquiring  an  iujposing  intUience  o^-er  tInMn»  Insti- 
gated by  these  considerations,  and,  perhaps,  by  his  natu- 
ral ferocity  and  attachment  to  war,  he  het^ame  a  decided 
enemy  to  the  whites,  an'  imbiiu'd  an  invincible  deter- 
mination (he  surrendered  it  with  his  litV)  to  regain  for 
his  country  the  proud  independence  he  supposed  t>he  had 
lost.  For  n  number  of  years  he  was  A)reniost  in  every 
act  of  hostility  committed  against  those  he  conceived  the 
oppressors  of  his  countrymen,  and  was  equally  remarka- 
ble for  intrepidity  as  skill,  in  many  combats  that  took 
pl.ice  under  his  banner.  Aware,  at  length,  of  the  extent, 
number  and  power  of  the  United  St.  tes,  In*  became 
fully  convinced  of  the  futility  of  any  single  nation  of  red 
men  attempting  to  cope  with  them.  He  formed,  there- 
fore, the  grand  scheme  of  uniting  all  the  tribes  east  ot 


■iJiiL, 


tlflHAN  WAltl. 


943 


[if  the 
rckcd, 
e  slioi 
as  not 
clorily 
kventy- 
le  spot 

rfi;in  of 
jlion  to 
sed  the 
route 
nineil  a 
if  theiff 
nu 

Ihnt  lias 

SI)  aw  a - 

5i;;;c   or 

courage 

'    SH'UtO 

ith  the 
•mbina- 
iff,   in- 
>rtani'e; 
cs,  wh.o 
Insti- 
ls natu- 
dcc'uled 
ditor- 
;ain  for 
i>he  had 
n  evciy 
ivcd  the 
; mark  a- 
at  t(K)k 
extent, 
hcpaine 
of  red 
I,  there- 
east  of 


l^ie  Mississippi  into  hostility  against  the  United  States. 
This  was  a  fii^ld  -.vorthy  of  his  great  and  enterprising 
genius.  He  commenced  in  the  year  1S0.9  ;  and  in  the 
execution  of  his  project  he  display^'d  an  unrqualJcd 
adroitness,  eloquence  an'l  coura<j;e.  He  insinuated  him- 
self into  every  trihe  from  M  chiliraackinack  to  Georgia, 
and  was  invariahly  successful  in  liis  attempts  to  brin^ 
them  over  to  his  views,  lie  played  upon  all  their  ftjcK- 
ings,  but  principally  upon  their  superstition,  and  some* 
times  assumed  the  character  of  a  prophet,  and  carried 
vi'ilh  him  a  rud  stick,  to  which  he  attached  certain  mys- 
tical properties,  and  the  acceptance  of  which  was  c(m!?id- 
ered  as  the  joining  of  his  parly  ;  hence  the  name  of  Red 
Sticks  applied  to  all  Indians  hostile  to  the  United  States. 
Unfortunately  foi  Tccunjseh,  but  happily  for  the  United 
States,  was  it,  that  befi)re  his  phin  had  become  matured, 
before  his  arrangements  for  general  hostility  were  per- 
fected, before  in  fact  he  had  brought  into  the  field  any  . 
of  his  forces,  his  brother  made  a  premature  attack  upon 
the  forecs  of  the  United  States  under  the  command  of 
Gtn.  Harrison,  in  the  jrummer  of  181 1,  at  Tippecanoe, 
ill  which  he  s^flfcred  a  signal   defeat. 

Thi;}  disaster  marred  the  prospects  of  the  gallant  Te- 
cumseh  ;  his  own  soui  was  un<"haken  ;  but  it  damped 
the  ardour  of  his  associates;  and  although  many -con" 
tinued  fii-ni  in  their  warlike  attitude,  nor  shrunk  from  a 
contest  that  had  coir.menced  with  defeat,  all  the  etforts 
of  Tecumseh  were  unavailing  to  supply  the  Imks  thus 
broken  in  his  chain  of  operations.  The  war  against 
J'^ngland.  declared  soon  after  this  event  by  the  United 
States,  opened  new  vie\\s  to  the  talent"  of  Tecumseh. 
His  merits  were  duly  appreciated  by  the  British  govern- 
ment, and  they  made  him  a  brigadier  general  in  their 
service.  At  the  head  of  his  formidable  warriors  he 
more  than  once  turned  the  scale  of  victory  against  the 
Americans,  and  laid  down  his  life  for  the  cause  he  bad 
espoused. 

Tecumseh  had  fought  during  the  first  year  of  the  war 
under  Gen.  Brock,  to  whom  he  gave  great  praise,  not 
only  for  his  bravery,  but  for  his  kindness  and  gentle- 
flianlv  treatment  to  hii^  and  the  warriors  undo^r  his  com- 


f% 


844 


i^DiAif  Wind. 


!i 


i 


mnnd.  They  had  been  remarkably  sucressful  in  all  flipi'r 
operations  during  the  ciiinpai^ns  in  which  th«y  r()Ui;ht 
together.  B  it  in  (jlen.  Fn)ct()r  he  hutl  no  contidrii''c, 
and  they  never  agi'ced  in  the  phins  iiiat  were  adopti  d  in 
prosecuting  th2  war,  A  few  days  before  t?ie  last  ball  If, 
in  a  talk  he  had  with  him  at  a  council,  he  expressed  in 
the  strongest  inanner  his  entire  disapprobation  of  all  his 
measures.  Being  in  company  with  sonr*e  British  ofticers, 
he  was  asked  his  opinion  of  Gen.  Brock,  in  comparisoti^ 
with  the  merits  of  their  present  general.  He  nnswertd 
—  **  Gen.  Brock  very  brave  man,  great  general.  Ho 
•ay,  Tecumseh.  come  U'c  go.  Gen.  Proetur  say,  Te- 
cumsch,  yoK  go.     Proctor  no  Brock." 

The  day  after  the  battle,  the  American  troops  took 
possession  of  the  Moravian  towns,  where  they  found 
great  quantities  of  such  provisions  as  were  very  accepta- 
ble to  the  troops.  Among  the  trophies  of  the  day,  cap- 
tured from  the  British,  were  six  brass  field  pieces  that 
had  been  surrendered  by  Mull,  on  two  of  which  was 
the  motto — '^Surrendered  by  Burgoync  at  ^^arrntoga.'^ 
The  town  was  found  desevted  and  so  panic-struck  wero 
some  of  the  sqoaws  in  their  flight,  that  they  are  said  to 
hare  thrown  their  papooses  into  the  river,  to  prevent 
their  being  b*utchered  by  the  Americans!  The  Indians 
who  inhabited  this  town  had  been  very  active  in  com- 
mitting depredations  upon  the  Irontiers,  massacreing 
<he  inhabitants,  &,c.,  for  which  reason  the*  town  was  de-« 
stroyed  by  the  troops  previous  to  their  leaving  it. 

Soon  after  the  rcurnofGcn.  Harrison  to  J)elroit< 
the  Ottawas,  Chippewas,  Polta\  atomics,  Miamies  and 
Kickapoos,  proposed  a  suspension  of  hostilities,  and 
agreed  to  ''take  hold  of  the  same  tomahawk  with  the 
Americans,  and  to  strike  all  who  were  or  might  be  enc-* 
mies  of  the  United  States."  They  offered  their  women 
and  children  as  hostages.  Walk-in-the-water,  a  distin- 
guished Chief  who  had  taken  an  active  part  in  the  late 
engagement,  waited  upon  the  general  in  person  o  implore 
peace.  The  white  flag  which  he  bore  in  his  hrud 
attracted  a  great  crowd,  who  were  struck  wtl  adr^ira- 
tion  at  tlie  firmness  with  which  this  distinguished  varrior 
passed  through  the  ranks  of  the  Amoricnn  troop^^  whom 


iiiDiAH  yyAf. 


S45 


in 


hfi  so  jrnnantly  opposed  but  n  few  days  before  ;  yfet  his 
atlvf'i'^ic  lorlune  was  calcubited  to  depress  his  spirits  tiiid 
|)i«>durc  humihty.  Ahnost  ail  liic  other  chiefs  had  been 
killi:d  or  liad  surrendered  lliemseives  prisoners,  uiid  he 
Was  witliuut  the  means  of  living  or  resisting. 


CHAP.    XIV. 


WAft    WITH   THE   CREEK    NATION.     MASSACRE   AT    FORT    MIMS; 
BATTLES  OFTALI.USHATCHES,  TALLEDAGA,  ANTOSSE.     ATTACK 
UPON  CAMP  DEFIANCE,  AND  BRILLIANT  VICTORY  AT  THE  BEN0 
•OF  THE  TALLAPOOSA. 


itroitf 
and 
and 
Ih  the 
enc-* 
lorn  en 
list  in- 
late 
iplorff 
hr/ud 
Iriira- 
irrior 
Lvhom 


The  enemy,  apparently  disposed  to  enlist  the  savages 
in  the  war  at  its  commencement,  despatched  messengers 
to  several  pf  thelndian  tribes  in  the  Mississippi  Territory, 
distinguished  by  the  names  of  Creeks,  (Jhoctaws  and 
Chickasaws,  to  persuade  them  to  take  a  ptirt  with  then? 
in  their  contest  with  the  United  "States.  The  most 
friendly  relations  had  subsisted  between  these  tribes  and 
the  United  Slates  for  many  years  :  and  the  latter,  dicta- 
ted by  a  generous  policy,  had  been  successful  in  their 
endeavors  to  introduce  among  them  the  improvements  of 
civilized  society.  13ut  so  ardent  is  the  propensity  of  the 
Indian  character  for  war,  that  many  were  induced  to 
fommit  the  most  wanton  and  unprovoked  acts  of  barbarity 
upon  the  Americans. 

The  most  experienced  and  well  disposed  Chiefs,  aware 
of  the  evils  a   war  with  the  United  States  must  produce 
upon  the  tribes,  made  use  of  their  best  endeavors  to  sup-* 
press  their  act?  of  cruelty  ;  but  those  deterviiined  on  war 


2i9 


tWnUN   WARll. 


were  nnl  dispoicd  to  listen  to  the  dictates  of  discrctioh  of 
^visdom,  iind  commenced  open  hostilities  iigainst  the 
United  Sliitcs  hy  ouo  of  lh«  most  bloody  iHa>sacres  re- 
c  ded  in  Indian  history.  'J'he  parti(Mjliirs  of  the  bloody 
transaction  arp  copied  from  a  letter  of  Judgjc  'J.oulmun» 
dated  September  llh,  18JJ. 

*'  The  dreadful  caiastrojihe  which  \ve  have  been  some 
time  anticipating  has  at  length  taken  place.  The  Indians 
have  broken  in  upon  us,  in  numbers  and  fury  unexani- 
plcd.  Our  seetlement  is  overrun,  and  our  country,  1 
i'ear,,  is  on  the  eve  of  beiii^  depopulated.  'iMie  accounts 
which  we  received  led  us  to  expect  an  attack  about  the 
full  moon  of  August  ;  and  it  was  kn  >\vn  at  Fensacola, 
when  the  ammunition  was  given  to  the  Indians,  who 
were  to  be  the  leaders  of  the  rcJ'peelive  parties  destined 
to  attack  the  different  parts  of  our  settlement.  The  at* 
tempt  macje  to  deprive  them  of  their  animunition,  issued, 
by  the  Spaniards  on  the  rrcommendation  of  a  IJritisU 
general,  on  their  way  from  Pisnsacola,  and  in  which  it 
was  said  the  Indians  lost  more  than  twenty  liien,  although 
only  one  third  of  our  people  ^tood  their  ground,  it  is 
highly  probable  in  some  measure  retarded  their  opera- 
tions ;  and  the  steady  succession  of  rain  contributed  to 
produce  the  same  ctfect.  Had  their  attempt  bi-en  con- 
ducted with  more  judgment  and  supp  >rted  with  more 
\igour,  there  would  have  been  an  end,  r*;.  a  time,  of 
Indiaif  warf;  re.  In  consequence  of  the  delay,  our 
citizens  began  to  grow  careless  and  confident ;  ai.d 
several  fanulies  who  had  removed  from  Tensaw  to  Fnrt 
Stoddert,  returned  again  and  fell  a  sacrifice  to  the  mer- 
ciless  savages. 

-  ''A  few  dhys  before  the  attack,  some  negroes  of  3Ir. 
M'CJiiit,  who  lived  in  th;it  part  of  the  Creek  territory 
which  IS  inhiibit.d  by  half  breeds,  had  been  sent  up  the 
Alabama  to  his  plantation  for  corn  ;  three  of  then)  were 
taken  by  a  party  ot  Indians.  One  escaped  and  brought 
down  news  of  the  approach  of  the  Indians.  The  olliccr 
gave  but  little  credit  to  him  ;  but  they  made  some  fur* 
ther  preparation  to  receive  the  enemy.  On  the  next  day 
Mr.  James  Cornels,  a  half  breed,  and  some  white  men, 
who  had  bean  out  on  the  late  battle  ground,  and  ditcov- 


(tioh  of 
ist  the 
res  re- 
bloody 
luluiuu, 

n  some 
Ituiiuna 
nexarn- 
intry,  1 
ccounU 
out  the 
isacola, 
IS,  who 
Icslined 
TUii  lit* 
,  issuid, 

HritisU 

vliich  it 

Ithouglj 

nd,  it  is 

opera- 
uteci  to 

n  con- 
Ill  more 

inic,  of 
iiy,  our 
lit ;  aid 
lo  Fort 

le  mer- 

lof  Mr. 

■rriiory 

|up  the 

b  were 

Irought 

ollictr 

»e  fur* 

|xt  day 

liscov. 


INDIAN  WAR*. 


«4.T 


cred  the  trail  of  a  considerable   body   of  Indians   goins; 
towards  IMr.  M'Cirt's,  came    lo  the  fort   and   inCormed 
the  commanding  officer  of  the  discovery.      'J  hou}*!!  their 
report  did  not  appear  to  receive  full  credit,  it  occasioned 
great  exertions  ;  and  on  S.iturday  and  Sunday  consider- 
able work  Was  done  to  put  the  lort  in  a  state  of  defence. 
On  Sunday    mornino;    three    negroes   were    sent  out    to 
attend  the   cattle,  who  soon   returned  with   an   account 
that  they  had   seen   tWKnty  Indians.      Scouts  were  sent 
out  to  ascertain  the  truth  of  the  report.     'I'liey  returned 
and  declared  that  they  could   see   no.  signs  of  Indians. 
One    of   the    negroes    belonging    to    Mr.  Randon    was 
whippeU  for  bringing  what   thry  deemed  a   false   report. 
H;  was  sent  out  again  o'j  Monday,  and   saw   a   body  of 
Indians  approaching  ;  but   afraid    of  being  whipped,   he 
did  not  rctupn  to  l>Jims  but  to  Pierce's  Fort ;  bu«  before 
bis  story  could    be  communicated,  the  :itlac.k  was  made. 
The  commanding  officer  called  upon  Mj;.  I'letcher,  who 
ow;  ed  another  of  the    negroes,  to    whip   him  also.     Hs 
believed  the  boy  and  resisted  two  or  three  applications  j 
but  at  length  they  had  him  actually  brought  out  for  the 
purpose,  when  the  Indians  appeared   in  view  of  the  fort, 
'I'he  gate  was  o|)en.     The  Indians  had  to  come  through 
an  open  field  one    lumdred   and    (il'ty  yards   wide,  before 
they  o(>uld   reach    the    fort,    and   yet    they    were    within 
thirty  steps  of  the    fort,    at    1 1    in   the    morning,  before 
they  were   noticed.     The   sentry    then   gavi    the  cry  of 
'Indians!'  and  they  immediately  set  up  a   most  terrible 
war-vvh.)()p  and  rushed  into  tlie  gate    with    inconceivable 
rapidity,  and  got  within  it  before;  the  people  of  the  fort 
had  an  op[)ortunily  of  shutting    it.      Thi>4  decided   their 
fate.      Major  |]easely  w:.s  shot   through    the    body  near 
the  gate,     H^  calltd    to  the    men   to   take   care   of  the 
ammunition  and    retreat   to  the   hou'^c. »  He  went    binw 
self  to  a  kitchen  where  it  is  supposed  he  uiust  have  been 
burnt. 

"  Tliere  was   a  large   bxly   of  Indians,  though   they 
probably   did    not    exceed    four   hundred.     Our    people 
seemed  to  sustain  the  attack  with  undaunted  spirit.  They 
took  possession  of  the  port  holes  in  the  other  lines  of  the  ^ 
fort,  and  fired  on  the  Indians  who  remained  in  the  field.  ^: 


.  vJi.  ■■> 


2iS 


IMDIAN   WARS. 


11 


Some  of  the  Iiuliiins  got  on  the  block-house,  at  on*  of 
thtt  corners  ;  but  niter  tniich  firing  upon  tho  people 
thpy  were  tli:3loclj;pd.  'Iliey  succeeJed,  however,  in 
■ctling  tire  to  a  house  nrar  the  pickets,  from  which  it 
was  communicated  to  the  kitchen  and  from  thence  to  the 
main  dwellini;  house.  They  altcmp'ed  to  do  it  by  burn- 
ing arrows,  but  failed.  When  the  people  in  the  fort  saw 
the  Indians  retained  full  possession  of  tho  outer  court, 
and  the  gate  continued  open,  that  their  men  fell  very 
fast,  and  that  I  heir  houses  were  in  flames,  they  began  to 
despond.  S-)mc  determined  to  cut  their  way  through 
the  pickets  and  escape.  Of  the  whole  number  of  white 
men  and  half  breeds  in  the  fort,  it  is  supposed  that  not 
more  than  twenty-five  or  thirty  escaped,  and  of  these 
many  were  wounded.  'I'he  rest  and  nlniost  uU  the 
women  and  children  fell  a  sacrifice  either  to  the  shot  of 
the  Indians  or  ihe  tlames.  The  battle  terminated  about 
an  hour  before  i^n-set. 

*'  The  women  and  children  took  refuge  in  an  upper 
story  of  Ihe  dwelling  house  ;  and  it  is  said  that  tho 
Jndiuns,  when  the  buildinu;3  were  in  tlames,  danced 
round  tham  with  savage  delight.  The  helpless  victims 
perished  in  the  flames.  It  is  also  reported,  that  when  the 
^buildings  were  burning,  and  the  few  wlio  remained  were 
exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  enemy,  they  collected  many  of 
the  guns  of  the  deceased  and  threw  both  them  and  the 
remaining  stock  of  ammunition  into  the  flames,  to  pre- 
vent their  becoming  subservient  in  the  hands  of  the 
Indians,  to  the  destruction  of  their  fellow  citizens. 
Siirely  this  was  an  instance  of  detirmined  resolution 
and  benevolent  foresight,  of  which  there  are  not  many 
examples. 

'*  ijut  notwithstanding  the  bravery  of  our  fellow  citi* 
Zens,  the  Indians  carried  all  b«^fore  them,  and  murdcrrd 
the  armed  and  the  helpless  without  discrimination.  Oar 
loss  is  seven  fjommissioned  oflicers  and  about  one  huudrid 
non-commissioned  olRcers  and  privates,  of  the  tirst  regi-r 
mcnt  of  the  Mississippi  territory  volunteers,  There 
were  about  twenty-four  families  of  men,  women  and 
children  in  the  fort,  of  whom  almost  all  have  perished, 
toiounting  to  one  hundred  and  sixty  souls.     I  reckon, 


)ni  of 
people 
cr,  in 
)ich  it 
to  the 
'  burn- 
»rt  saw 
court, 
11  very 
G(an  to 
irough 
'  white 
lilt  not 
f  these 
uli   the 
shot  of 
I  about 

n  upper 
lat  the 
diinoed 
victims 
\v,n  the 
wt*re 
niiny  of 
md  the 
to  pro- 
of  the 
tiZL'iiS. 
olution 
many 

|w  cili«r 
irdiTt'd 
Ocir 
lundri'd 
it  regit 
iTlitM-e 
In    and 
rished, 
leckon, 


INDIAN    WARS. 


249 


hf)Wftver,  amonj^  them  about  six  familieg  of  half  breeds 
;uk1  sf'vcn  Indians.  '1  Ikmc  were  also  aboat  one  hundred 
iiuf:ro(\s,  of  whom  a  larj;e  proportion  wore  killed.  The 
half  breeds  have  unilormly  done  themselves  honor,  and 
thosij  uho  survive  will  allbrd  great  assistance  in  the  prose- 
cution of  t!i<r  war." 

On  the  iirst.  of  November  Gen.  Jaekson,  received  in- 
formation that  a  considerable,  immber  of  hostile  Creekf 
were  embodied  at  lalliishatches,  he  detached  Gen.  John 
Coffee  with  a  number  ol  men  to  attack  and  destroy  the 
place,  which  ho  completely  eftectel. 

'ihe  followinjj^  is  an  extract  from  Gen.  Coffee's  official 
Report  to  Gen.  Jackson  of  the  expedition. 

''  Pursuai.t  to  your  order  of  the  2d,  I  detached  from 
my  brigade  of  cavalry  and  mounted  riflemen,  nine  hundred 
men  and  officers,  and  |)rocceded  directly  to  the  Tallus- 
hatches  towns,  crossed  Cooscy  river  at  the  Fish  Dam  ford, 
three  or  four  miles  above  this  place.  1  arrived  within 
one  and  a  half  miles  of  the  town  on  the  morning  of  the 
3d,  at  whieJv  place  I  divided  my  detachment  into  two  col- 
umns, the  right  composed  of  the  cavalry  commanded  bj 
Col.  /\llcorn,  to  cross  over  a  large  creek  that  lay  between 
us  and  the  towns  :  the  left  column  was  of  the  mounted 
riiiemen  under  the  command  of  Col.  Cannon,  with  whom 
1  marched  myself.  Col.  Allcorn  was  ordered  to  march 
up  on  the  right  and  encircle  one  half  of  the  town,  and  at 
the  same  time  the  left  would  form  half  a  circle  on  the  left, 
and  unite  the  liead  of  the  colimins  in  front  of  the  town, 
all  of  which  was  performed  as  I  could  wish.  When  I 
arrived  within  half  a  mile  of  the  town,  the  drums  of  th« 
enemy  began  to  beat,  mingled  with  their  savage  yells, 
preparing  for  action.  It  was  an  hour  after  sunrise  when 
the  action  was  brought  on  by  Capt.  Hammond  and  Lieut. 
Patterson's  com|)anics,  who  had  gone  on  within  the  circle 
of  alignment  for  the  purpose  of  drawing  out  the  enemy 
from  their  buildings,  which  had  the  most  happy  effect.  As 
soon  as  Capi.  Hammond  exhibited  his  front  in  view  ol 
the  town  (which  stood  in  wood  land)  and  gave  a  few 
scattering  shot,  the  enemy  formed  and  made  a  violent 
charge  on  him  ;  he  gave  way  as  they  advanced,  until  they 
P)et  our  right  column,  >vhich  gave  them  a  general  fire  and 


32 


VJf 


U5t 


I.VKUfI     YVARir. 


Htm. 

m 


then  charged ;  this  changed  thu  (Ihrcrion  of  the  cfuirgr 
completely.  The  enemy  retreated,  /irinj;,  until  I  hey  jiol 
around  and  in  their  buildings,  where  they  made  ail  tJio 
lesistanco  that  an  overpowered  soldiery  possibly  could 
do ;  they  foujj:ht  as  long  as  one  existt-d,  hut  their  destruc- 
tion was  very  soon  con)p!etrd ;  ojir  men  rushed  up  to  the 
doors  of  the  houses,  and  in  a  few  mimites  killed  the  last 
warrior  of  them.  The  enemy  fought  with  savage  fury, 
and  met  death  with  all  its  horrors,  without  shrinking  or 
eomplaining,  not  one  asked  to  be  8|)ared,  but  fought  as 
long  as  they  could  stand  or  sit.  In  consequence  of  their 
flying  to  their  houses  and  mixing  with  the  families,  our 
men,  in  killing  the  males,  without  intention  killed  and 
wounded  a  few  of  the  squaws  and  children,  which  wa» 
regretted  by  every  officer  and  soldier  of  the  detachment, 
but  it  could  not  be  avoided. 

**  The  number  of  the  enemy  killed  was  one  hundred  and 
eighty-six  that  were  counted,  and  a  numlxM-  of  others  that 
were  killed  in  the  weeds  and' not  found.  I  think  the  cal- 
culation a  reasoiiable  one  to  say  two  hundred  of  then> 
were  killed,  and  eighty-foup  prisoners  of  women  and  chil- 
dren were  ta4<.e«.  Not  one  of  the  warriors  escaped  to 
carry  the  news,  a  circumstance  hitherro  unknown. 

"  I  lost  five  men  killed  and  forty  wounded,  none  mor- 
tally, the  greater  part  slightly,  a  nuinbeV  with  arrows;  twa 
ef  the  men  killed  was  with  arrows  ;  this  appears  to  frirm 
a  very  principal  part  of  the  enemy's  arms  for  warfare  ; 
every  man  having  a  bow  with  a  bundle  of  arrows,  whicb 
is  used  after  the  first  fire  with  the  g^un,  until  a  leisure 
time  for  loading  offers. " 

Gen.  Jackson  receiving  information  on  the  seventh 
November  that  a  party  of  friendly  Creeks  at  the  fort  at 
Tallegada,  were  threatened  with  an  attack  from  a  consid- 
erable body  of  hostile  Creeks,  marched  to  their  re^ief  in 
the  evening.  At  4  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  9ih,  he 
fell  in  with  the  enemy  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the 
fort,  and  after  a  short  action  succeeded  in  dispersing  them 
with  great  slaughter. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  t!ie  general's  official 
letter,  giving  the  particulars  of  the  battle. 

'^  At  sunrise  we  came  within  half  a  mile  of  them^  and^ 


INDIAN  Wars. 


951 


fiargv 

y  {;«• 

II  tiio 
could 
St  rue- 
to  the 
c  last 
fury, 
iug  or 
^ht  as 
'  their 
fts,  our 
d  and 
h  wa» 
[imenty 

ed  and 
;rs  thaC 
he  cal- 
r  theno 
d  chil- 
ped  to 

e  nior- 
s;  two 
o  form 
lirfare  ; 
whicb 
lleisure' 

leventli 
Ifort  at 
:onsid- 
lief  in 
|th,  he 
lof  the 
them 

)fficiat 

I,  and^ 


lmviu|»  formfd  my  men,  1  inorved  on  in  battU  order.  The 
infantry  wore  in  three  lines ;  the  hiilitia  on  the  left  and 
the  volunteers  on  the  right.  The  cavalry  formed  the  ex- 
tren)«  wings;  and  were  ordered  (o  advance  in  a  curve, 
keeping  their  rear  connected  with  the  advance  of  their 
infantry  linei,  and  enclose  the  enemy  in  a  circle.  The 
advanced  guard  whom  1  sent  for^vard  to  bring  on  tbe^ii- 
^agcmcnt,  nuvt  the  attack,  of  the  enemy  vith  great  intre- 
|)idity ;  and  having  poured  upon  them  four  or  five  very 
gallant  rounds,  tell  back  .s  they  had  been  previously 
ordered,  to  the  main  army.  The  enemy  pursued,  and  the 
front  line  \m\s  now  ordered  to  advan(;c:  and  meet  them  ; 
but  owing  to  some  misunderstanding,  a  few  ompaaies  of 
militia,  wIjo  composed  a  part  of  it,  commr?v  td  a  retreat. 
At  this  moment  a  corps  of  cavalry  commaiuled  by  Lieut. 
Dyer,  which  I  had  kjcpt  as  a  reserv' ,  as  ordered  ;o  dis- 
tnount  and  fill  up  the  vacancy  occa  ioncd  by  the  retr^ivt. 
'I'his  ordex  was  executed  with  a  great  deal  of  promptitude 
41  nd  efrt!Ct. 

"  The  militia,  seeing  this,  s|>eedily  rallied,  and  the  fire 
became  general  along  the  first  line,  ind  on  that  part  of 
the  wings  which  was  contiguous.  The  enemy,  unableto 
stand  it,  liegan  to  retreat,  but  were  ihel  at  every  turn  and 
|)ursu<id  in  every  direction.  The  right  wing  chased  them 
^vith  a  moot  destructive  fir«  to  the  mountains,  a  distance 
of  about  three  miles;  and  had  I  not  been  compelled  by 
4he  faux  pas  of  the  militia  >-  the  onset  of  the  battle,  to 
'<1ismount  my  reserve,  I  beiiuve  not  a  man  of  them  would 
liave  escaped.  The  victory,  however,  was  very  decisne:^ 
two  hundred  and  ninety  of  the  enemy  were  left  dead,  and 
there  can  be  no  doubt  but  many  more  were  killed  who 
were  not  found.  Wherever  they  ran  they  left  behind 
traces  -of  blood  ;  and  I  believe  that  very  few  will  return 
to  their  villages  in  as  sound  a  condition  as  they  left  thetn. 
1  was  compelled  to  return  to  this  place  to  protect  the 
sick  and  wounded,  and  get  my  baggage.  In  the  engage- 
ment we  lost  fifteen  killed  anr^  fifteen  wounded,  two  of 
whom  have  since  died." 

On  the  1 1th  November  a  detachment  of  the  Tennessee 
militia,  under  Gen.  White,  was  sent  against  the  Hillibee 
towns,  for  the  purpose  of  punishing  the  hostile  Creeks  in 


I 


II- 


lill 


v 


K\ 


252 


INDIAN    WARS. 


that  quarter.  Extract  from  Gen.  White's  official  lettf# 
to  Major  Gen.  Cocke,  j^iving  an  account  of  tlio  expe- 
dition. 

"Under  your  order  of  the  11th  Novcniher,  I  imn>e- 
diately  marched  with  the  mounted  infantry  under  the 
command  of  Major  Porter,  and  a  few  of  the  Cherokee 
Indians  under  Col.  Morg'in,  with  very  short  rations  only. 
We  continued  our  march  to  litth^,  Oakfuskie,  when  we 
fell  in  with  and  captured  five  hostile  Creek  warriors,  sup- 
posed to  be  spies.  Finding  no  other  Indians  at  that  j)lace, 
we  burned  the  town,  which  consisted  of  thirty  h.ouses.. 
^c  then  pro  ceded  to  a  town  called  Genalga,and  burned 
the  same,  consisting  of  ninety-three  housrs.  Thence  wcf 
proceeded  to  Nitty  Chajjota,  consisting  of  about  twenty-' 
five  houses  which  I  considered  it  most  prudent  not  to  de- 
stroy as  it  might  possibly  b,-^  of  use  at  some  future 
period.  Thence  we  marched  to  the  Flillibee  town,  con- 
sisting of  about  twenty  houses,  adjoining  which  was 
Grayston's  farm.  Previous  fo  our  arrival  at  tliut  place,  t 
vvas  advised  that  a  part  of  the  hostile  Creeks  were  assem- 
bled there.  Having  marched  within  six  or  seven  miles  of 
it  on  the  ITth,  1  dismounted  a  part  of  the  force  under  my 
command,  and  sent  them  under  the  command  of  Col. 
Burch,  with  the  Cherokees  under  the  command  of  Cob 
Morgan,  in  advance,  to  surround  the  town  in  the  night, 
and  make  the  attack  at  daylight  on  the  18ti).  Owing  t(? 
the  darkness  of  the  night,  t'le  town  was  not  reached 
inilil  after  daylight;  but  sp  complete  was  the  surjirise, 
that  we  succeeded  m  surroun'mg  the  town  and  killing 
and  capturing  almost,  if  not  entirely,  the  whole  of  tho 
hostile  Creeks  assembled  there,  consistirg  of  about  three 
hundred  and  ten  ;  of  which  number  about  sixty  warriors 
were  killed  on  the  spot,  and  the  remainder  made  prisoners. 
Before  the  close  of  the  engagement  my  whole  ibrce  was 
up  and  ready  for  action,  had  it  become  necessary  ;  but 
owing  to  the  want  of  knowledge  on  the  part  of  the  Indians, 
bf  our  approach,  they  were  entirely  killed  and  taken  be- 
fore they  could  },rej)are  for  any  effectual  defence.  We 
lost  not  (iue  drop  of  blood  in  accomplishing  this  en- 
terprise. 


INDIAN    WARS. 


253 


ac 


IuhI 


)f  tho 

tbicc 

lirricrs 

loners. 

|e  was 

but 

|(lians> 

Ml  bc- 

V\e 

cn- 


The  Georgia  militia  under  Gen.  Floyd,  on  the  2fith 
November  succeeded  in  dofeatiiig  a  large  body  of  liostile 
Creeks  at.  Antosse.  Tbe  ♦bllowing  is  from  his  letter  to 
Gen.  Pinckney,  detailing  the  particulars  of  the  battle. 

"  Having  received  informatidn  that  numbers  of  the  hos- 
tile Indians  were  assembled  at  Antosse,  a  town  on  the 
northern  bank  of  th»^  Tallapoosa,  about  eighteen  miles* 
irom  the  hickory  ground,  and  twenty  above  the  junction 
of  that  river  with  the  Coosa,  1  proceeded  to  it  with  nine 
hundred  and  fifty  of  the  Georgia  militia,  accompanied  by 
between  three  and  four  hundred  fritMidly  Indians."  Having 
encamped  witliin  nine  or  ten  miles  of  tlie  point  of  des- 
tination the  preceding  evening,  we  resumed  the  march  a 
few  rnimites  before  one,  on  the  morning  of  the  29th,  and 
at  half  past  six  were  formed  for  action  in  front  of  the 
town. 

"  Booth's  battalion  composed  tiie  right  column,  and 
hiarched  from  its  centre.  Watson's  battalion  composed 
the  left,  and  marched  from  its  rij;ht  ;  Adams'  rifle  com- 
pany, and  Merriwether's,  under  Lieut.  Hendon,  were  on 
the  flanks  ;  Capt.  Thomas'  artillery  marched  in  front  of 
the  right  column  in  the  road. 

"It  was  my  intention  to  have  completely  surrounded 
the  enemy,  by  applying  the  right  wing  of  my  force  on 
Canlabee  creek,  at  the  mouth  of  which  I  was  informed 
the  town  stood,  and  resting  the  left  on  the  bank  below 
the  town  ;  but  to  our  surprise,  as  day  dawned  we  per- 
ceived a  second  town,  about  five  hundred  yards  below  that 
which  we  had  first  viewed,  and  were  preparing  to  attack. 
The  plan  was  immediately  changed ;  three  companies  of 
infantry  on  the  left,  were  wheeled  to  the  left,  into 
echellon,  and  were  advanced  to  the  low  town,  accom- 
panied by  Merri\v(!ther's  rille  company,  and  two  troops  of 
light  dragoons  under  th.e  command  of  Captains  Irwin  and 

"  The  residue  of  the  force  approached  the  upper  town, 
and  the  battle  soon  became  general.  The  Indians  pre- 
sented themselves  at  every  point,  and  fought  with  the 
desperate  bravery  of  real  fanatics.  The  well  directed 
fire,  however,  of  the  artillery,  added  to  the  charge  of  the 
hayonet,  soon  forced  tliem  to  take  rcfn{;e  in  the  out-houses, 


i 


S64 


>N»UN  mns. 


thickets  and  copsps  in  the  rear  of  the  town  ;  many,  il  is 
believed,  concealed  lhems(>lves  in  caves,  previously  formed 
for  the  purpose  of  secure  retreat,  in  the  high  bluff  of  the 
river  which  was  thickly  covered  with  reed  and  brushwood. 
The  Indians  of  the  friendly  party,  who  accompanied  us 
on  the  expedition,  were  divided  into  four  companies,  and 
placed  under  the  command  of  leaders  of  their  own 
selection.  Some  time  a'ter  the  action  commenced,  our 
red  friends  thronged  in  disorder  in  the  rear  of  our  lines, 
'i'he  Cowctas,  under  M'Intosh,  and  the  Tookabatchians, 
under  Mad -Dog's- Son,  fell  into  our  flanks,  and  fought  with 
an  intrepidity  worthy  of  any  troops.  ' 

"  At  nine  o'clock  the  enemy  were  completely  driven 
from  the  plain,  and  the  houses  of  both  towns  wrapped  in 
flames.  As  we  were  then  sixty  miles  from  any  depot  of 
provisions,  and  our  five  days  rations  pretty  much  reduced, 
in  the  heart  of  the  enemy's  country,  which  in  a  few 
months  could  have  poured  from  its  numerous  towns 
hosts  of  its  fiercest  warriors ;  as  soon  as  the  dead  and 
wounded  were  disposed  of,  I  ordered  the  place  to  be 
abandoned,  and  the  troops  to  commence  their  march  to 
Chatahouche." 

Gen.  Floyd  was  attacked  uy  a  large  body  of  hostile 
Creeks  in  his  encampment,  forty-eight  miles  west  of 
Colahoochie,  on  the  27th  January  ;  but  succeeded  in  re- 
pelling them  after  a  very  bloody  conflict.  The  particulars 
are  contained  in  a  letter  of  the  general  to  Maj.  Gen. 
Pinckney,  dated  on  the  day  of  the  engagement. 

"This  morning,  at  twenty  minutes  past  five  o'clock,  a 
very  large  body  of  hostile  Indians  made  a  desperate  attack 
upoii  the  army  under  my  command.  They  stole  upoa 
our  sentinels,  fired  on  them,  and  with  great  ferocity  rush- 
ed upon  our  line.  In  twenty  minutes  the  action  became 
general,  and  our  front,  right  and  left  flanks  were  closely 
pressed,  but  the  brave  and  gallant  conduct  of  the  field  and 
line  ofifjcers,  and  the  firmness  of  our  men," repelled  them 
at  every  point. 

"  The  steady  firmness  and  incessant  fire  of  Capt. 
Thomas'  artillery,  and  ( ';|}i,  Adams'  riflemen,  preserved 
our  front  lines.    Both  of  ihese  companies  suffered  greatly. 


The 


enemy  ru 


shed 


V  hhu:  tl  nty  yards  of  the  artillery, 


y,  il  li 
formed 
of  the 
hwood. 
lied  us 
es,  and 
ir  own 
cd,  our 
ir  lines, 
tchians, 
rht  with 

y  driven 
pped  in 
lepot  of 
educed, 
\  a  few 
5  towns 
ead  and 
e  to  be 
narch  to 

hostile 
west  of 
Id  in  re- 
culars 
ij.  Gen. 

ilock,  a 
attack 
\Q  upon 
[y  rush- 
I  became 
closelv 
ield  and 
id  them 

Capt. 

served 
rreatly. 
rtillery, 


INDIAN    itAftf. 


ua 


and  Capt.  Broadnax,  who  commanded  one  of  the  piquef 
guards,  maintained  his  post  with  great  bravery,  until  the 
enemy  gained  his  rear,  and  then  cut  his  way  through 
them  to  the  army.  On  this  occasion,  Timpoche  Barnard, 
a  hrrflf  breed,  at  the  ht  ad  of  the  Uchies,  distinguished 
himself,  and  contributed  to  the  retreat  of  the  piquet 
^uard  ;  the  other  friendly  Indians  took  refujrc  within  our 
lines,  and  remained  inactive,  with  the  exception  of  a  few 
who  joined  our  ranks.  As  soon  as  it  became  li^ht 
enough  to  distinguish  objects,  I  ordered  Majors  Watson 
and  Freeman's  battalions  to  wheel  at  right  angles  with 
Majors  Booth  and  Cleveland's  battalions,  which  formedf 
the  right  wing,  to  prepare  for  the  charge.  Capt.  Duke 
Hamilton's  cavalry,  which  had  reached  me  but  the  day 
before,  was  ordered  to  form  in  the  rear  of  the  right  wing, 
to  ?/jt  as  circumstances  should  dictate.  The  order  for 
the  charge  was  promptly  obeyed,  and  the  enemy  fled  ir» 
every  direction  before  the  bayonet.  The  signal  was 
given  for  the  charge  of  the  cavalry,  who  pursued  and 
safbred  fifteen  of  the  enemy,  and  left  thirty-seven  dead  on 
the  field*  From  the  effusion  of  blood,  and  the  number  of 
head  dresses  and  war  clubs  found  in  various  direction!*, 
their  loss  must  have  been  considerable,  independent  of 
their  wounded. 

"  I  directed  the  friendfy  indians,  with  Merriwether  j^ik? 
Ford's  rifle  companies,  accompanied  by  Capt.  Hamilton'* 
troops,  to  pursue  them  through  Canlebee  swamp,  wliese 
they  were  trailed  by  their  blood,  but  they  sue-  eeded  i» 
overtaking  but  one  of  the  wounded.*' 

On  the  14th  January,  Gen.  Jackson  having  been  rein- 
forced by  about  eight  hundred  volunteers,  commenced  hi» 
inarch  in  quest  of  the  enemy  upon  the  Tallapoosa  river. 
The  objects  and  particulars  ot  the  expedition  disclosed  i» 
the  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  him  to  Maj.  Gen. 
Pinckney,  dated  Fort  Strother,  Jan.  29. 

•'  I  had  the  honor  of  informing  you  in  a  letter  of  the 
51  St  ult.,  forwarded  by  Mr.  M'Candles,  of  an  excursion  I 
contemplated  making  still  further  into  the  enemy's* 
country,  with  the  new  raised  volunteers  from  Tennessee. 
I  had  ordered  those  troops  to  form  a  junction  with  me  on 
the  10th  instant ;  but  they  did  not  arrive  until  the.  14th. 


r 


25S 


INDIAN    NVAR8. 


i 


I 


Their  number,  including  officers,  was  about  eight  bun- 
dle I. 

The  motives  which  influenced  mo  to  penetrate  still 
farther  into  the  enemj's  countrjr,  with  tins  ibrce,  were 
many,  and  urgent.  The  term  of  service  of  the  new 
raised  vohmteers  was  short,  aiid  a  considerable  part  of  it 
was  expired  ;  i\wy  »'  ere  expensive  to  the  government, 
and  were  full  of  ardor  to  meet  the  enemy.  The  ill  el'lects 
of  keeping  soldiers  of  this  description  long  stationary  and 
idle,  I  had  been  made  to  feel  but  too  sensibly  already. 
Other  causes  concurred  to  make  such  a  movement  not 
only  justifiab'e,  but  absolutely  necessary. 

"  1  took  u»  the  line  of  march  on  the  17th  inst.  and  on 

1 

the  night  of  the  16th  encamped  at  Tallegada  fort  where 
I  was  joined  by  between  two  and  three  hundred  friendly 
Indians;  vsixty-five  of  whom  were  Cherokees,  the  balance 
Creeks.  I  was  informed  that  an  attack  was  intended 
soon  to  be  rtiade  by  nine  hun-dred  of  the  enemy.  J  re- 
solved to  lose  no  time  in  meeting  this  force,  which  was 
understood  to  have  been  collected  from  New  Yorcau, 
Oakfuskec  and  Ufauley  towns,  and  were  concentd'ated  in 
the  bend  of  the  Tallapoosa,  near  the  mouth  of  the 
creek  called  Emuckfau,  on  an  island  below  New 
Yorkcau. 

"  On  the  morning  of  the  21st,  I  marched  from  Enota- 
chopce,  as  direct  as  I  could  for  the  bend  of  the  Tallai- 
poosa,  and  about  2  o'clock,  P.  M.  my  spies  having  dis- 
covered two  of  the  enemy,  endeavored  to  catch  them,  but 
failed.  In  the  evening,  I  fell  in  upon  a  large  trail  w  hith 
led  to  a  new  road,  much  beaten  and  lately  travelled. 
Knowing  that  I  must  have  arrived  ^vithin  tiie  neighbour- 
hood of  a  strong  force,  and  it  being  late  in  the  day,  I  de- 
termined to  encamp,  and  reconnoitre  the  countiy  in  the 
night.  I  chose  the  best  site  the  country  would  admit, 
encamped  in  a  hollow  square,  sent  out  my  spies  and 
pickets,  doubled  my  sentinels,  and  made  the  necessary 
arrangements  before  dark,  for  a  night  attack.  About  10 
o'clock  at  night,  one  of  the  pickets  fired  at  three  of  the 
enemy,  and  killed  one,  but  he  was  not  found  until  the 
next  day.  At  1 1  o'clock,  the  spies  whom  I  had  sent  out 
returned    with   the   information,  that  there  was  fi  large 


INDIAN    WARS. 


251 


Knota- 
'Talla- 
ig  dis- 
^1,  but 
wlncli 
elled. 
hbour- 
I  de- 
ll the 
lidmit, 
and 
L'ssary 
lit  10 
)f  the 
lil  the 
it  out 
large 


••■nriampmcnt  of  Indians  at  the  distance  of  about  three 
iiiiles,  wIjo,  from  (heir  wliooping  and  dancing,  seemed  to 
-be  apprised  of  our  approach.  One  of  these  spies,  an 
Indian  in  whom  1  had  great  confidence,  assured  me  that 
they  were  carrying  ofi*  their  women  and  children,  and 
that  the  warriors  would  cillicr  make  their  escape,  or 
attack  me  before  day.  iieing  prepared  at  all  points, 
nothing  remained  to  be  done  but  await  their  approach, 
if  tfiey  meditated  an  attack,  or  to  be  in  readiness,  if 
they  did  not,  to  pursue  and  attack  them  at  daylight. 
While  wc  were  in  this  state  of  readiness,  the  enemy, 
about  six  o'clock  in  ths  morning,  commenced  a  vigorous 
attack  on  my  left  flank,  which  was  vigorously  met.  The 
action  continued  to  rage  on  my  left  flank,  and  on  the 
left  of  my  rear  for  :ibout  half  an  hour.  The  brave  Gen. 
Coffee,  with.  Col.  Sittlcr,  the  Adjutant  General,  and 
Col.  Carroll,  the  Inspector  General,  at  the  moment  the 
firing  commenced,  mounted  their  horses,  and  repaired  to 
the  line,  encouraging  and  animating  the  men  to  the  per- 
formance of  their*  duty.  As  soon  as  it  become  light 
enough  to  pursue,  the  left  wing  having  sustained  the 
heat  of  action,  and  being  souiewhat  weakened,  was  re- 
inforced by  Capt.  Ferrill's  company  of  infantry,  and  was 
ordered  and  led  on  to  the  charge  by  Gen.  Coifee,  who 
was  well  supported  by  Col.  Higgins  and  the  Inspector 
General,  and  by  all  the  oflicers  and  privates  who  com- 
posed that  line.  The  enemy  was  completely  routed 
at  every  point,  and  the  friend'y  Indians  joining  in 
(he  purc^uit,  they  were  chased  about  two  miles  with  great 
fclaughtec 

'■'•  The  chase  being  over,  I  immediately  detached  Gen. 
Coflc",  with  foil'-  hundred  men  and  all  the  Indian  force, 
to  burn  their  encampment ;  b  it  it  was  said  by  some  to 
be  fortified,  I  ordered  him,  in  that  event,  no:  t.>  attack 
it,  until  the.  artillery  could  be  sent  forward  to  reduce  it. 
On  viewing  the  encampment  and  its  strength,  the  g' a- 
era!  thought  it  most  prudent  to  return  to  my  encamp- 
ment, and  guard  the  artilleiy  thither.  The  wisdom  of 
this  step  was  soon  discovered.  In  half  an  hour  after  his 
return  to  camp,  «  considerable  force  of  the  enemy  made 
its  appearance  on    my  right   flank,  and   commenced  a 

33 


'■fed 


158 


IftDIAPf    WAllf. 


i.'"' 


I" 


brisk  ftre  on  a  party  of  men  who  bad  been  on  a  picked 
guard  the  night  before,  and  were  then  in  search  of  the 
I  idians  they  had  fired  upon,  some  of  wiior.i  thcj  bj.Jievcd 
had  been  killed.  Gen.  Coffee  nnnif  diately  requested 
me  to  let  him  take  two  hundred  mm  liiid  tuin  iluw  Jeft 
flank>  whirh  I  nccordiisgly  o 'dere  ]  ,  but  tlu  iig,lii  3yne 
mistake  which  I  did  vM  then  obsovve,  not  more  than 
fifty-four  followed  him,  among  u-hom  were  the  old  vol- 
unteer ofHcers.  Witk  besc,  however,  he  immcdintely 
commenced  an  attack  on  tht;  ^cft  tiank  of  tlK  enomy  ;  at 
wlsich  time  I  ordered  twc  hundred  of  the  friendly  In- 
dians to  fall  in  upon  the  right  fhink  oi*  tl;.  "ncniy,  and 
co-operate  with  the  general.  This  or Jcr  was  promptly 
ol>ey^d,  and  the  moment  of  the  execution  what  I  ex- 
pftctcu  wos  loiuized.  The  enemy  had  intended  to  attack 
or,  'iie  rigrtv,  as  a  feint,  and  ex;)C;cting  me  to  direct  all 
my  attention  thither,  meant  to  attack  mc  again  with 
their  main  force  on  the  left  flank,  which  they  hoped  to 
find  weakened  and  in  disorder  ;  but  they  were  disnp- 
poifnted.  I  had  ordered  the  left  flank  to  remain  firm  to 
its  place,  and  the  moment  the  alarm  gun  was  heard  in 
that  quarter,  I  repaired  thither,  and  ordered  Capt.  Fer- 
rill,  with  part  of  my  reserve,  to  support  it.  Ti  c  whole 
line  met  the  approach  of  the  enemy  with  astonishing 
intrepidity,  and  having  given  a  few  fires,  they  forthwith 
charged  wiih  great  vigor.  The  effect  was  immediate 
and  inevitable.  The  enemy  fled  with  precipitation,  and 
were  pursued  to  a  considerable  distance  by  the  left  flank 
and  the  friendly  Indians,  with  a  galling  and  destructive 
fire.  Col.  Carroll,  who  ordered  the  charge,  Ivd  on  the 
pursuit,  and  C9I.  Higgins  and  his  regiment  again  distin- 
guished themselves. 

"  In  the  mean  time,  Gen.  Coffee  was  contending  with 
a  superior  force  of  the   enemy.     The  Indians  whom  I 
had  ordered  to  his  support,  and  ' 
purpose,  hearing  the  firing  on  th 
that  r   arter,  and   when  tht    en 
enter      fnto  the  chase.     Th  •  liv 

with  ordered  Jim  Fife,  who  -as  one  of  the  principal 
commanders  of  the  frienilly  C>-  -;■  «?  with  one  hundred  of 
hi»  warriors,  to  execute  my  first  ;■  .er.     As  soon  at  he 


•  "  had  set  out  for  tha 

■t,  had  returned  to 

y  were  routed  there, 

i.g  now  over,  I  for*';- 


tN»IAN    WARS. 


259 


^catjhcd  G^Mi.  Coffee,  the  charge  was  made  and  the 
en'jmy  routed.  They  were  pursued  about  three  milesi 
fitid  forty-five  of  Ihetn  slain,  who  were  found.  Gen. 
Coffee  was  wounded  in  the  body,  and  his  Aidwdc-camp) 
A.  Donaldson,  killed,  together  with  three  others. 

"  1  had  indeed  hoped  to  have  met  the  enemy  there,  but 
having  met  and  beat  them  a  little  sooner,  1  did  not  think 
it  necessary  or  prudent  to  proceed  any  futher.  I  com- 
monced  my  return  manh  at  half  past  ten  on  the  twenty- 
third,  and  was  fortunate  enough  to  reach  Enotaehopco 
before  night,  having  passed  without  interruption  a  dan- 
gerolis  defile,  occasioned  by  a  hurricane.  1  again  forti* 
tied  my  camp,  and  having  another  defile  to  pass  in  the 
morning,  across  a  deep,  creek  and  between  two  hills, 
whicii  I  had  viewed  with  attention  as  I  passed  on,  and 
whcwe  I  expected  I  might  be  attacked^  1  determined  to 
pass  it  at  another  point,  and  gave  directions  to  my  guidie 
ftnd  fatip;ue  men  accordingly.  My  expectation  of  an  at- 
tack in  the  morning  was  increased  by  the  signs  of  the 
night,  and  with  it  my  caution.  Before  I  removed  the 
wounded  from  the  interior  of  my  camp,  I  had  my  front 
«nd  rear  guaids  formed,  as  well  as  my  right  and  ieft 
columns,  and  moved  off  my  centre  in  regular  order,  lead- 
ing down  a  handsome  ridge  to  Enotaehopco  creek,  at  a 
point  where  it  was  clear  of  reed,  except  immediately  on 
its  margin. 

*'  The  front  guard  had  passed  with  part  of  the  ^anlc 
columnsi,  the  wounded  were  over,  and  the  artillery  in  the 
act  of  entering  the  creek,  when  an  alarm  gun  was  heard 
in  the  rear.  1  heard  it  without  surprise,  and  even  with 
pleasure,  o.nlcuiating  with  the  utmost  confidence  Ofl  the 
tirtvness  of  my  troops,  from  the  manner  in  which  I  had 
seci  them  act  on  the  twenty-second.  1  had  placed  Col. 
Carroll  at  the  head  of  the  centre  column  of  the  rear 
guafL, ;  its  right  column  was  commanded  by  Col.  Stump. 
Having  chosci  the  ground,  I  expected  there  to  have 
entirely  cut  off  the  enemy,  T>y  wheeling  the  right  and 
left  columns  on  their  pivots,  re-crossing  the  creek  above 
and  below,  and  frilling  in  upon  their  flanks  and  rear. 
But  to  my  astonishment  and  mortification,  when  the 
word  was  given  by  Col.  Carroll  to  halt  and  form,  and  a 


260 


INI>IAN    WARf. 


few  guns  had  been  fired,  I  bolield  the  rij^Iit  and  left  coU 
limns  of  the  rear  guard  precipitately  give  way.  'I'liio 
shameful  retreat  was  disastrous  in  the  extreme  ;  it  drew 
along  with  it  the  greater  part  of  the  centre  cohjmn, 
leaving  not  more  than  twenty-five  men,  who  being  form- 
ed by  Col.  Carroll,  maintained  their  giound  as  long  as 
it  was  possible  to  maintain  it,  and  it  brough-t  consterna- 
tion and  confusion  into  the  centre  of  the  army,  a  con- 
sternation which  was  not  easily  removed,  and  a  confusion 
which  could  not  soon  be  restored  to  order.  There  was 
then  left  to  repulse  the  enemy,  the  few  who  remained  of 
the  rear  guard,  the  artillery  company,  and  Capt.  Rus- 
sell's company  of  spies.  'JMicy,  however,  realized  and 
exceeded  my  highest  expectations.  I/ieut.  Armstrongs 
who  commanded  the  artillery  company,  ordered  them  to 
form  and  advance  to  the  top  of  the  hill,  wlitie  he  r-iid  a 
few  others  dragged  up  the  six  pounder.  Never  was 
more  bravery  displayed  than  on  this  occasion.  Amid 
the  most  galling  fire  from  the  enemy,  more  than  ten 
times  their  number,  they  ascended  the  hill  and  maintain- 
ed their  position  until  tlu-ir  piece  was  hauled  up,  <vhcn* 
having  levelled  it,  they  poured  upon  the  enemy  a  hre  of 
grape  j  rc-ioaded  and  fMcd  ag  in,  charged  and  repulsed 
them. 

"  The  enemy  were  pursued  for  mor^^  than  two  miles^ 
wiio  fled  in  consternation,  throwing  away  their  paeks»> 
and  leaving  twenly-six  of  their  warriors  dead  on  the  field. 
This  last  defeat  was  decisive^  and  we  were  no  more  dis- 
turbed by  their  yell?. 

*'  In  these  several  engagements,  our  loss  was  twenty 
liilled  and  sevenfy-five  wounded,  four  of  whom  have 
since  died.  Tiie  loss  of  the  enemy  cannot  be  accu- 
rately ascertained  ;  one  hundred  and  eighty  of  their 
warriors  were  found  dead  ;  but  this  must  fall  considerably 
short  of  the  number  really  kiled,.  Their  wounded  can 
only  be  guessed  at." 

Gen.  Jackson,  determined  on  (he  '■^Uc  rmination  of  the 
Creeks  for  'lieir  attrocious  conduct,  on  t'r    '^HU  of  Mar' ' 
I814i,  penetrated  as  far  as  the  bend    of  il  i     Tallapoosa, 
where  a  most  decisive  victory  was  obtain    ';  and  the  de- 
struction of  the   nation   nearly  accomplished.     The  fol- 


INDIAN    WARSl. 


2GI 


;nty 

leir 

jcaiL 

llho 
1,1. 

bi- 


lowing  is  an  cxtr.nct  from  Gen.  Jackson's  ar.count  of  tlio 
brilliant  achievcmont,  in  a  letter  to  Gov.  IJIount,  tiuted 
Fort  Williams,  March  .31,  1811.. 

*'  1  took  up  the  line  of  march  from  this  place  on  the 
morning  of  ihe  21st  instant,  and  having  Opened  u  passage 
of  fifty-two  and  a  half  miles  over  the  ridges  which  divide 
the  waters  of  the  two  rivers,  I  reachedthc  bend  .(;f  the 
TaUapoosa,  three  miles  beyond  where  I  ha'J  the  Engage- 
ment of  the  226  of  January,  and  at  the  southern  ex- 
tremity of  New  Youka,  on  the  morning  of  the  27lh. 

"  Early  on  ihe  morning  of  the  27th,  having  encamp-^ 
cd  the  preceding  night  at  the  distance  of  five  miles  from 
them,  I  detailed  Gen.  Coti'ee  with  the  mounted  men  and 
nearly  the  whole  of  the  Indian  force,  to  cross  the  river 
at  a  ford  about  three  miles  below  their  encampment,  and 
to  surround  the  bend  in  sueh  a  manner  that  none  of 
them  should  escape  by  attempting  to  cross  the  river. 
With  the  musketry  and  rides  I  kept  up  a  galling  fire 
wherever  the  enemy  showed  thcmselv:;  behind  their 
works,  or  ventured  t  approach  them*  This  was  con- 
tinued with  occasional  intermissions  for  about  i  v  .  hours, 
when  a  detachment  under  Col.  Morgan  crossed  over  to 
the  peninsula  in  canoes,  and  set  fire  to  a  few  of  their 
buildings  there  situated. 

*'  Having  maint'jiued  for  a  few  minutes  a  very  obsti- 
nate contest,  musket  to  musket,  through  the  port  holes, 
in  which  many  of  the  balls  were  welded  to  the  bayonets 
of  muskets,  our  troops  succeeded  in  gaining  possession 
of  the  opposite  side  of  the  works.  The  event  could  no 
longer  be  doubtful.  The  enemy,  altho':^:,!^  i  a.iyof  them 
fought  to  the  last,  with  that  kind  of  bravery  which  des- 
peration inspires,  were  at  length  entirely  routed  and  cut 
to  pieces* 

'*  Both  O-Tioers  and  men,  who  had  the  best  opportuni- 
ties of  judgip",  believe  the  loss  of  Ihe  enemy  in  killed, 
lot  far  short  (  t"  eight  hundred.  Among  the  dead  was 
'^>:nd  their  fai  jous  prophet  Monahell.  Two  other  pro- 
piicts  were  also  killed  ;  leaving  no  others,  as  1  can 
learn,  on  the  Tallapoosa,  k  lament  that  two  or  three 
women  and  chiU'.ren  were  killed  by  accident.  I  do  not 
know   tlic  cx>ict  numif.r  of  prisoners  taken,  but  it  must 


2()a 


INDIAN    WAnl. 


exceed  lljrcc  hundred  ;  nil  women   and  children  eStccpl 


three 

"  i'K  ^1  i<i'e  mny  be  Siiid  to  have  continued  with 
I' ^-erifv  i*»i'  uhout  five  hours  ;  but  the  firing  nnd  slaughter 
c>)tilitiuod  until  it  was  suspendi  d  by  (he  darkness  of  the 
ni<;ht.  The  next  morning  it  was  resumed,  nnd  sixteen 
of  the  enemy  slain,  who  had  concealed  (homsclves  under 
the  banks.  Our  ln«;o  "-s  twenty-six  white  men  killed^ 
ond  one  hundriMl  .imi  seven  wi^undcd  ;  Cherokees,  eight- 
een killed  and  thirty-six  wounded  ;  friendly  Creeks,  five 
killed  and  eleven  wounded." 

'J'he  brilliant  nnd  decisive  victories  obtained  by  Gcrti 
Jackson  and  his  brave  m  n,  over  the  Creeks,  induced 
nuiny  of  those  who  survived,  to  surrender  nnd  sue  for 
peace.  A  few  of  them,  however,  otherwise  disposed, 
ilcd  towards  I*ensacola,  before  the  arrival  of  the  general 
at  Tallapofosa.  Many  of  the  runaway  negroes,  who 
were  coptui'ed  at  Fort  JMims,  were  restored  to  their 
masters,  and  an  unfortunate  white  fenK.^e  captive,  PjMy 
Jones,  who,  with  her  two  children,  had  been  tuk  n 
prisoners  by  the  Indians,  were  released  and  restored  ij 
their  friends.  The  Tallapoosa  and  'I'ostahatchec  kings 
were  taken  prisojiers.  as  was  Peter  M'Quin,  a  distm* 
guished  chief,  but  he  unfortunately  afterwards  made  his 
escape.  Hillinhagee,  their  great  prophet,  fled  with  the 
fugitives  towards  I'onsiicola.  VVeatherford,  their  speak- 
er, aid  who  througn  the  war  had  been  one  of  the  most 
active  and  enterprising  chiefs,  conceiving  it  in  vain  any 
longer  to  resist,  and  being  informed  that  Gen.  Jackson 
intended,  if  he  could  take  him,  to  put  him  to  death,  he 
was  advised  by  his  friends,  as  h's  warrioi's  were  almost 
nil  slain,  as  his  country  was  ruined,  and  his  escape 
almost  imprac^i  ble,  io  surrender  himself  to  the  general; 
that  it  was  use, so  to  ttempt  further  resistance  5  and  this 
was  the  only  means  by  which  his  life  could  be  saved. 
Weather  ford  determined  so  to  do,  and  presented  him- 
self to  Gen.  Jackson  at  his  quarters,  by  whorn  it  was 
demanded  of  him  who  he  was  and  how  he  came  there. 
He  replied,  '*  my  name  is  VVeatherford,  one  of  the 
chiefs  of  the  Red  Sticks.  I  have  fought  you  till  my 
warriors  are  all  slain.     If  I  had   warriors  1  would  fight 


INDIAN    WARI. 


2f)3 


id  this 

so  ha 

saved. 

onicc 

him- 

t  was 

there. 

)f  the 

• 

ill  my 

fight 

you  Atill  ;  but  1  have  none.  My  country  is  overrun, 
and  my  soldiers  arc  fallen.  Here  I  am  in  your  power  ; 
do  with  me  as  you  please  ;  only  recollect  (hat  I  nm  a 
soldier!*'  The  patriotic  speech  of  this  distinguished 
chief  had  its  desired  eflfoct.  Gen.  Jackson  declined  to 
consider  him  even  as  a  prisoner  ol  war.  Weathcrford, 
although  as  bold  and  intrepid  as  a  lion,  had  been  many 
times  defeated  by  his  enemies. 

Gen.  Jackson,  after  having  made  known  to  she  sur- 
viving Creeks,  the  terms  up'>n  which  ho  was  authorized 
to  make  peace,  in  the  latter  part  of  April  withdrew  his 
forces  from  the  Creek  country.  The  terms  offered  thein 
were  ;  That  the  United  States  were  to  retain  as  much 
of  the  conquered  territory  as  would  indonmify  them  for 
the  expenses  of  tlie  war,  and  as  a  retribution  for  the  in- 
juries sustained  by  its  citizens,  and  such  of  tl\e  Creeks 
as  had  remained  on  friendly  terujs  with  them  during  the 
war.  The  United  States  were  to  establish  whatever 
military  posts  and  trading  houses  they  should  think 
proper,  and  to  have  the  free  navigation  of  the  rivers  and 
watercourses  thioughout  the  Creek  country.  The  Creeks 
were  to  surrender  their  prophets,  and  other  chiefs  who 
remained  or  who  sliould  thereafter  prove  hostile  to  the 
interest  and  *velfare  of  the  States.  'I'hc  Talliscc  l«ing, 
of  whom  we  have  made  frequent  mention,  and  who  was 
supposed  to  have  been  k  lied  in  one  of  Gen.  Floyd's 
engagements  with  the  Creeks,  surrendered  himself  a 
prisoner  to  the  Americarts.  He  was  upwards  of  a  hun- 
dred years  of  agt»,  with  a  head  as  white  as  snow,  and  had 
been  regarded  by  the  enemy  as  a  very  great  prophet. 
The  friendly  Creeks  viewed  him  as  their  most  inveterate 
enemy,  and  although  nearly  bent  double  with  age,  they 
were  anxious  to  put  him  to  death,  and  would  have  done 
so  had  it  not  been  for  the  interposition  of  the  American 


'% 


roi 


INDIAN    WAX  I. 


CHAP.    XV. 


8EMINOLE  WAR.  LNDIAN  DEPllKDATIONS.  CAl'TliUK  OF  lOIlT 
ST.  MARKS.  EXLCUTiON  OF  AHDUTIINOT  AND  AMURISTEll. 
I'ENSACOLA  TAKEN   DV  GEN.  JACKSON.  , 


'I'he  Creek  war  happily  torminatinfi;  In  the  sprin,ij  of 
1814,  and  u  treaty  of  peace  having  been  mutually  con- 
cluded upon  between  the  survivin<;  chiefs  of  tliat  nation 
and  Commissioners  apj)ointed  on  the  part  of  the  United 
Slates,  but  little  opposition  was  then  apprehended  from 
the  fuj^itives  who  had  tied  towards  Pensacola,  and  who 
remained  hostile  to  the  interest  of  the  Americans.  liut, 
contrary  to  the  expectations  of  our  government,  it  was 
soon  after  discovered  that  these  Indians  had  sought 
re'ftige  among  the  different  savage  tribes  living  within 
and  on  the  borders  of  the  Fioridas,  denominated  Sem- 
inole Indians,  who  it  was  suspected  cherislied  feelings  of 
hostility  to  the  United  States.  This  fact  having  been 
ascertained,  the  executive  department  of  tiic  government 
deemed  it  necessary,  for  the  security  of  the  frontier,  to 
establish  a  line  of  forts  near  the  southern  boundary  of 
the  United  States,  and  to  occupy  these  fortifications  with 
portions  of  ihe  regular  forces,  and  by  this  means  peace- 
was  maintained  with  the  Indians  until  the  spring  or  sum- 
mer of  1817  when  the  regular  forces  were  withdrawn 
from  the  posts  on  the  Georgia  frontier,  nnd  concentrated 
at  fort  Montgomery,  on  the  Alabama  river,  a  considera- 
ble distance  west  of  the  Georgia  line.  But  it  seems 
that  about  this  time  a  border  warfare  was  commenced 
between  the  Seminole  Indians  and  the  frontier  inhabit- 
ants of  Georgia.  Many  horrid  barbarities  are  said  to 
have  been  perpetrated  by  the  former  ;  some  of  which  it 


A\ 


■\';,-tru    ,  '.\, 


.fj*-" 


lORT 
JTEtt. 


ujr 


r.  or 
con- 
Lit  iun 
fiited 
from 
who 
But, 
was 
ht 
itliin 
iL-m- 
js  of 
)ecn 
licnt 
to 
of 
Ivith 
luce- 
irn- 
iwn 
Ued 
U'u- 
!ms 
!ed 
)it- 
to 
it 


\ 


\ 


^- 


.S.,'»-" 


.*■-. 


i»n-.'v  ■ 


ktfDIAK   WARS. 


SOX 


i 


I 

s 

"8 


I 


I 


I 

fo 


•a 


a 
«» 

M 

■14 

S 

li 


,*^  •• ' 


may  not  be  improper  here  to  monfion.  The  house  of  a 
Mr.  Garrett,  residing  nenr  the  boijndary  of  Wayne 
county,  was  attgnkcd'  by  a  parly  of  Indians  during  his 
absence.  They  shot  Mrs.  CJarrett  in  two  places,  and 
then  despatched  lier  by  stabbing  and  scalping.  Her  two 
children,  one  about  three  years  and  the  other  two 
months  old  were  also  murdered,  and  the  oldest  scalped, 
'JMie  houso  was  tiien  plundered  of  every  article  of  value, 
and  set  on  fire  !  A  boat  soon  after  ascending  the  Ala- 
);una  nt'er,  containing  thirty  men,  seven  women  and 
four  small  children,  was  captured  by  the  Indians.  Six 
of  the  'non  escaped,  one  woiiian  taken  captive  and  the 
Remainder  inhumanlv  butchered  The  children  were 
taken  by  the  leg  and  their  brains  dashed  out  against  the 
bout  ! 

Duncan  IM'Krimmon,  (a  resident  of  Milledgeville,  a 
Gc(jrgia  militia  man,  stationed  at  Fort  Gadsden,)  being 
out  one  morning  on  a  fishing  excursion,  in  attempting  to 
return,  missed  his  way,  and  was  several  days  lost  in  the 
surrounding  wilderness.  After  wandering  about  in  va- 
rious directions  he  was  espied  and  captured  by  a  party 
of  hostile  Inilians,  headed  by  c^e  well  known  prophet 
Francis.  The  Indians  having  obtained  the  satisfaction 
they  wanted  respecting  the  determination  of  .government, 
the  position  of  tlie  American  army,  &LC.  ihey  began  to 
priipare  for  the  intended  sacrifice.  M'Krimmon  was 
bound  to  a  stake,  and  the  ruthless  savages  having  shaved 
his  head  and  reduced  his  body  to  a  state  of  nudily,  form- 
ed themselves  into  a  circle  and  danced  round  him  some 
hours,  yelling  most  horribly.  The  youngest  daughter  of 
the  prophet,  about  fifteen  years  of  age,  remained  sad  and 
silent  the  whole  time.  She  participated  not  in  the  gen- 
eral joy,  but  was  evidently,  even  to  the  affrighted  pris- 
oner, much  pained  at  the  savage  scene  she  was  com- 
pelled to  witness.  When  the  burning  torches  were 
about  to  be  applied  to  the  faggots  which  encompassed 
the  prisoner,  and  the  fatal  toniah.iwk  w:is  raised  to  ter- 
minate forever  his  niortal  existence,  Milly  Francis,  (for 
tha*  was  her  name,)  like  an  imgel  of  mercy,  placed  her- 
self between  it  and  death,  resolutely  bidding  the  aston- 
ished CsXecutioncr,  if  he  thirsted  for  jiuman  blood,  to  shed 

3i 


266 


INDIAN   VVAUS. 


hers  ;  beinj*  determined,  she  said,  not  to  survive  tlie 
prisoner's  dcjith.  A  momentary  pnuj.o  was  produced  liy 
this  unexpected  occurrence,  and  slia  todk  advantage  of 
the  circumstance  to  injplore  upon  her  knees  the  pity  of 
the  ferocious  father,  who  finally  yielded  to  her  wishes  ; 
with  «.he  intention,  however,  it  is  suspected,  of  murdering 
them  both,  i '  he  could  not  sell  M'Krimmon  to  the  Span- 
iards ;  which  was  luckily  etfected  a  few  days  after  at  St. 
Marks,  for  seven  galh)ns  and  a  half  of  rum.  As  long  as 
M'Krimmon  remained  u  prisoner  his  benefactress  con- 
tinued to  show  him  acts  o;  kindness.  The  fortune  of 
war  lias  since  placed  her,  as  we  shall  hereafter  have 
occasion  to  notice,  in  the  power  of  the  while  people, 
being  compelled,  with  a  number  of  others  of  her  tribe 
who  were  in  a  starving  condition,  to  surrender  them- 
selves prisoners.  As  soon  a3  this  fact  was  known  to 
M'Krimmon,  in  manifestation  of  a  due  sense  of  ilic 
obligation  which  he  owed  to  the  woman  who  saved  his 
life,  at  the  hazard  of  her  own,  he  sought  her  to  alleviate 
her  misfortune,  and  to  olRr  her  marriisgn  ;  but  Milly 
would  not  consent  to  become  his  wife  as  a  consideration 
of  having  saved  his  life,  declaring  th;it  she  did  no  more 
than  her  duty,  and  that  her  intercessions  were  thy  same 
as  they  would  ever  have  been  on  similar  occasions. 

In  the  frequent  outrages  jonimitted  upon  the  frontiers, 
it  was  somewhat  difi  ;ult  to  determine  who  were  the  first 
aggressor-,  or  on  whom  the  greatest  ir.juries  were  in- 
flicted. Gen.  Gainc",  however,  demanded  a  surrender 
of  the  Indi.ins,  who  ha  !  committed  depredations  on  the 
frontier  of  Georgia.  With  this  deinand  they  refused  to 
comply,  alledglng  that  the  first  and  the  greatest  aggres- 
sions h'ld  been  made  by  the  white  men. 

In  consequence  of  this  refusal.  Gen.  Gaines  was 
nulhorized  by  the  Secretary  of  War,  at  his  discretion,  to 
remove  the  Indians  still  remaining  on  the  lands  ceded  to 
tlie  United  Slates  by  the  treaty  made  with  the  Creeks. 
In  so  doing  he  w.-.s  toM  that  it  niight  I  o  proper  to  retain 
somit  of  them  as  h'jstagcs,  until  reparation  was  made  for 
depredations  committed  by  the  Indians.  In  |  ursuance  of 
this  discretionary  authority  Gen.  Gaines  ordered  a  de- 
tachment of  n<ar  tu.ee  hundred  men,  under  the  command 


INDIAN  WARS. 


«C7 


was 

h,  to 

d  to 

leks. 

llain 

for 
IV  of 

dc* 
laDd 


of  IMnjor  Twigsjs.  to  surround  and  take  on  Indian  vil- 
]»^ci  called  Foul  Town,  about  fourlcrn  miles  from  Fort 
Seott..  and  mar  the  Florida  line.  Tiiis  was  partially 
carried  into  effect. 

l''rom  this  time  t!»R  war  became  more  serious.  The 
Indians  in  considerable  numbers  were  embodied,  and  an 
open  attack  was  made  on  Fort  Sciolt.  Gen.  Gaines, 
with  about  six  hundred  rc;^iilar  §olJicrs,  was  Confined  to 
the  garrison.  la  this  state  of  thingr.,  information  having 
been  comn:unicatcd  to  the  War  Dcp;\r>.ment,  Gen.  Jack- 
son was  ordered  to  take  the  field,  lie  was  put  in  com- 
mand of  Ihc  regular  and  military  force,  amounting  to 
18;)D  tncn,  provided  for  that  service  ;  and  directed,  if  be 
should  consider  the  force  provided,  insufficient  to  beat 
the  enemy,  (whose  fi)ree  was  estimated  by  Gen.  Gaines 
at  2800  stronii)  to  call  on  the  governors  of  the  adjoininaf 
states  for  such  portions  of  the  miliiia  as  li;  mi^ht  thinlf 
retjuisile.  On  the  receipt  of  tills  order  (i»  n.  Jackson, 
itistead  of  o!>sei  vin,:;  the  orders  of  the  D 'partment  of 
War,  by  calliu;;  on  the  govc-rnor  of  I  ennessee,  then  in 
iS.ishvillc,  near  the  place  of  his  residence,  chose  to  ap- 
peal (to  use  his  own  expression)  to  the  patriotism  of  the 
W^est  Tennesseans,  who  had  served  under  him  in  the 
last  war.  Oae  thousand  mounted  gunmen,  and  two 
companies  of  what  were  called  lit\'-guards,  with  the 
utmost  alac.ity,  volunfccred  their  services  from  the 
stairs  of  Tannessce  and  Kentucky,  and  repaired  to  hi* 
standard.  Officers  were  appointed  lo  command  this 
corps  by  the  general  himself,  or  by  other  persons,  actin^; 
under  his  authority.  Tims  organized,  they  >vcre  mus- 
tered into  the  service  of  the  t^nited  States. 

About  the  lime  Gen.  Jackson  was  organizing  this  de- 
tachment of  volunteers,  in  the  state  of  Tennessee,  or 
previous  thereto,  Gen.  Games  was  likewise  employed  in 
raising'  forces  among  the  Creek  Indians.  There  vas 
this  difference  in  the  two  cases,  Gen.  Jackson  raised  his 
army  in  disregard  to  positive  orders  ;  Gen.  Gaines, 
without  orders,  took  upon  himself  the  authority  of  raising 
an  army  of  at  least  1600  Creek  Indians,  appointing  their 
officers,   with   a  Brigadier  General  at  their  head,   and 


563 


lifDIAN    ^ARS. 


likewise  mustering  tliis  force  into  the  service  of  the  United 
States. 

It  appears  that  Gen.  Jackson  advanced  into  Florida, 
with  a  force  of  UIOO  men,  composed  of  reiiuiars,  voli^n- 
feers,  and  the  Georgia  militia  ;  and  afterwards,  on  the  1st 
dav  of  April,  was  joined  by  Gen.  M'lntosh  and  his  brigade 
of  1.600  Indians,  who  had  been  previously  orgjuiized  by 
Gen.  Gaines.  Opposed  tu  whorji,  it  appears,  from  the 
report  of  Capt.  Young,  topographical  engineer,  and  other 
evidence,  the  whole  forces  of  the  fugitive  Semino!*?  In- 
dians and  runaway  negroes,  had  they  all  been  embodied, 
could  not  have  exceeded  nine  hundred  or  <.Ais  thousand 
men,  and  at  no  time  did  half  that  number  present  them- 
selves to  oppose  his  march.  Of  course  liitie  or  no  resist- 
ance was  made. 

The  Miskasmusky  towns  were  first  taken  and  destroy- 
ed. The  army  marcht>d  upon  St,  Marks,  a  feeble  Spani>h 
garrison,  which  surrendered  wiihout  firing  a  gun,  and  was 
then  occupied  as  an  American  post,  the  Spanish  com- 
mandant having  first  by  humble  entreaties,  and  then  by  a 
timid  protest,  endeavoured  to  avert  the  measure.  Here 
Alexander  Arbuthnct  was  fuund,  taken  prisoner,  and  put 
in  confinement,  for  the  pinpose  as  it  was  stated  by  Gen. 
Jackson,  *'  of  collecting  evidence  to  establish  his  guilt  ;" 
and  here  also  were  taken  two  Indian  Ciiiefs,  one  of  whom 
pretended  to  possess  the  spirit  of  prophecy  ;  they  were 
hung  without  trial  and  without  ceremony.  Francis,  who 
by  the  entreaties  of  his  daughter,  was  persuaded  to  spire 
the  life  of  M'Krimmon,  a  captive,  was  the  prophet  above 
allud«  d  to. 

This  being  done,  and  St.  Marks  garrisoned  with 
American  troops,  the  army  pursued  their  mjirch  eastward 
to  Suwaney  river,  on  which  they  found  a  large  Indian 
village,  which  was  consmrsed,  and  the  Indians  and  negroes 
were  dispersed  ;  after  which  the  army  returned  to  St. 
Marks,  bringing  with  them  Robert  C.  Ambrister,  who  had 
been  taken  prisoner  on  their  march  to  Suwaney. 

During  the  b.alt  of  the  army  foi-  a  few  days  at  St. 
Marks,  a  general  court  martial  was  called,  Arbuthnot  was 
arraigned*  found  guilty,  sentenced  to  sutfer  death,  and 
hung. 


INDIAN   TVARi. 


tCd 


I  (^11. 

1 

om 
lore 

ho 
lire 

ove 


5t. 


' 


Amhrister  wns  tried  in  like  manniT,  found  guilty,  and 
sentenced  to  whipping  and  ronfihemeiit.  Gen.  J:  ^kson 
annulled  the  sentence,  and  ordered  him  to  he  shot,  and 
this  order  was  executed. 

It  is  stated  that  Arhuthnot,  who  was  public.!}'  executed 
as  a  spy,  by  order  of  Gen.  Ja(*Kson,  had  been  a  cajjtain 
in  the  British  service,  was  about  forty  years  of  ag^',  of 
penteel  appearance,  and  n)et  his  fate  like  a  soldivT. 
When  the  executioner  was  fixing  the  ro|)e  arou'nd  lis 
neck,  he  desired  not  to  be  handled  so  roughly  ;  observed 
he  was  a  gentiem.m,  and  spoke  ol  h)<  de;ah  being  avenged. 
His  projjerty  he  requested  should  be  given  to  his  Hon. 
Anibrister  (who  was  charged  with  a  similar  offence,  and 
suffered  with  Aibuthnot)  w;is  a  voung  man  not  exceeding 
twentv-five  years.  At  first  he  a|)peared  undaunted  and 
quite  indifferent  as  to  liis  fate,  but  as  death  began  to  look 
him  in  the  face,  he  lost  his  composure,  and  died  more  like 
a  woman  than  a  man. 

The  prophet  Francis,  who  was  executed  a  little  before, 
had  in  his  pocket  a  commission  of  brigadier  general,  from 
the  British  government,  supfjosed  to  have  been  presented 
him  during  his  late  visit  to  Kngland,  whence  he  had  not 
long  returned.  His  arrival  in  that  country'  was  I'.us  an- 
nounc<'d  in  one  of  the  English  prints:  "  I  he  do  jbic 
sound  of  a  trumpet  announced  the  ap|)roa(:h  of  the  patriot 
Francis,  who  fought  so  gloriously  in  our  cause  of  America. 
He  was  dressed  in  a  most  splendid  suit  of  red  and  gold, 
and  by  his  side  he  wore  a  tomahawk,  rnnunted  in  go'd  !" 
This  warriof  is  said  to  hive  been  the  prime  mover  of  the 
unprovoked  and  infernal  massacre  of  the  garrison,  with 
the  women,  &:c.  of  Fort  Mims  ;  and  him  also  who  slaugh- 
tered Lieut.  Scott  and  his  jarty.  An  officer  in  Gen. 
Jackson's  army,  in  writing  to  his  friend,  relative  to  the 
surrender  of  a  number  of  the  enemy  as  prisoners,  at  St. 
M  irks,  thus  sfjHaks  of  the  faaiily  of  Francis  :  "  The  wife 
of  the  family  of  the  prophet  Francis  are  among  the  prison- 
ers. Two  of  his  daughters  are  very  interesting  young 
ladies,  atid  speak  very  good  Fnglish,  as  in  fact  the  whole 
fantily  do  except  the  mother.  The  eldest,  when  her 
father  was  decoyed  on  board  the  American  schooner, 
shortly   after  followed,  supposing  her  to  he  a  British  vessel; 


110 


INDIAN  WARS. 


W* 


before  she  got  aloYigsitle,  however,  she  discovered  the  de- 
ct'piion,  jiiirhed  oflT  find  made  her  escape.  The  youngest 
and  movt  lieiuitifid  is  caressed  Uy  all  the  odiieers,  for  Ikiv- 
iiig  saved  ihe  life  of  the  Georgia  militia  tuan. 

ill  a  eoinintnnnication  from  the  War  Departnirnt  to 
Gen.  Gaish's,  dated  Oct.  30,  1817,  he  was  directed,  that 
siiotild  the  ho>tile  Indians  p«'rsrvere  in  tln'ir  refusal  to 
mnk(!  rej>ar.iti<)n  for  their  depredations,  it  was  the  wih  (f 
the  IVtvsident  that  he  should  not  on  that  .u'count  pass  the 
line,  and  make  an  attack  upon  them  wiih'in  the  limits  of 
Florida.  In  a  later  ''ommunicafion,  he  sajs,  "  I'he  stnte 
of  our  negociation  with  JS|)ain,  and  temper  manifested  hy 
the  principal  European  powers,  mal  e  it  inipolitic,  in  the 
opinion  of  the  President,  to  move  a  fono  at  this  time  into 
the  Spanish  porsessions,  for  the  nicr<'  purpose  of  chastising 
the  Seminoles  for  depredations  which  have  heretofore 
been  committed  by  them/' 

SuhseqiKMitly  the  following  order  was  received  by  Gen. 
Gaines  from  tiie  War  Department.  *'  On  t!it»  receipt  of 
this  letter,  should  the  Seminole  Indians  still  refuse  to 
make  reparations  for  their  outrages  and  depredations  on 
the  citizens  of  tin;  United  IStates,  it  is  the  wish  of  the 
Piesident,  that  you  consider  yourself  at  liberty  to  march 
acioss  the  Florida  line,  and  to  attack  them  within  its 
limits,  should  it  be  found  necessary,  unless  they  shotdd 
shelter  themselves  under  a  Spanish  fort.  In  the  lasit 
event,  you  will  immediately  notify  this  department." 

On  the  1st  cf  EN'cember,  1817,  Gen.  Gaines  informs 
the  Secretary  of  War,  in  a  letter  from  Fort  Scott,  which 
was  then  the  Head-Quarters,  that  there  was  no  ground  to 
calculate  upon  the  future  security  of  the  frontier  settle- 
ments, and  says;  "it  is  now  my  painful  duty  to  rej-ort 
an  alfair  of  a  more  serious  nature  tluui  has  heretofore  oc- 
curred, and  vshich  leaves  no  doubt  of  the  necessity  of  an 
immediate  application  of  force,  and  active  measures  on 
om*  part.  A  large  party  of  Seminole  Indians,  on  the  3Cth 
ult.  formed  an  ambuscade  upon  the  App^^lachichola  river, 
a  niile  below  the  junction  oi'  the  Flint  and  Chatnhoochie, 
attacked  one  of  our  boats  ascending  near  the  shore,  and 
k.lled,  wounded  and  took  the  greater  part  of  the  detach- 
ment, consisting  of  forty  men,  commanded   by  Lieut.   R. 


J 


i 


INDIA  It  w.vna. 


f71 


1 


W.  Scott,  of  (ho  7th  infantrv.  'I  lu^rc  wrro  also  on  hoard, 
killed  or  taken,  sijvjmi  uoiiien,  the  wives  ofsoiduMS.  Six 
men  of  the  drtichment  only  ijsc^aped,  lour  of  whom  wertj 
AVoiMuled.  ')  hey  report  that  the  siieniiih  of  the  current 
at  that  point  of  attack  had  ohiigcd  the  lietiten  nt  to  keep 
his  boat  near  the  shore;  that  the  Indians  hud  j'ornied 
along  ihc  haidv  ol"  the  river,  and  were  not  disc!)ver- 
od  until  their  fire  had  comujenced  ;  in  the  fn^l  vol- 
ley of  which  Lieut.  Scott  uiid  most  of  his  valuable  men 
fell." 

In  December,  1H17,  Gen.  Jackson  received  orders  from 
the  Secretary  of  \V«>r  to  take  command  of  the  southern 
arnjy,,  and  to  |)roceed  against  the  hostile  Indians,  with  ail 
the  forces  that  had  luen  raided  for  that  purpose,  ai:d  to 
bring  the  war  lo  as  speedy  a  ternjination  as  possible.  He 
j)ro(:eeded  to  Fort  Scott  and  niade  preparations  for  prose- 
cuting: the  war  with  all  the  energy  in  his  power.  Un  the 
10th  of  March,  1818,  ho  commenced  his  march  and  soon 
after  passed  the  line  iti  pursuit  of  the  enemy  who  had  f.ed 
into  Florida.  He  met  with  very  little  opposition  from 
them  ;  they  divided  themselves  into  small  parties  and  de- 
fended themselves  with  a  desperate  courage  and  boldness 
seldom  before  known  even  in  Indian  warfare.  A  few 
prisoners  were  taken,  princi|)ally  women  and  children ; 
many  Indian  villaires  were  burned,  and  a  large  quantity  of 
corn  and  oiher  property  destroyid. 

On  the  26th  of  April  the  /\m«  ricans  took  possession  of 
Fort  St.  Marks  without  (opposition,  in  which  w'as  placed  a 
garrison.  Gen.  Jackson,  in  a  leiler  to  the  Secretary  of 
\Var,  gives  his  reas(Mis  fir  the  measure  as  follows  :  '''It 
could  not  be  maintained  by  the  Spanish  fcrce  garrisoniu'X 
it.  The  Indians  and  negroes  viewed  it  as  an  asylum  if 
driven  from  the  towns,  and  were  preparing  to  occupy  it, 
in  this  event.  It  was  neces?aiy  to  anticipate  their  move- 
men'iS,  independent  of  thft  position,  being  deenied  essen- 
tial as  a  depot  on  which  the  success  of  my  future  opera- 
tions measurably  (h|)ended.  In  the  spirit  of  friendshij),  f, 
tlierefore,  demande  I  its  surrender  to  the  army  of  the 
United  States,  until  the  close  of  the  Seminole  war.  '1  ho 
Spanish  Commandant  required  time  to  reflect ;  it  w  as 
granted ;  and  a   negociation  ensued)  and  an  effort  was 


m> 


272 


INDIAN     WARS. 


iniulo  to  protract  it  to  i\i\  unwarrantable  li'n«Jth.  In  the 
conversation  between  my  Aid-(le-Cam|),  Li«ait.  Gadsden, 
and  tlio  S|)anisli  Coojinandant,  tircutnstaiict's  transpire* 
convincing  liiiu  of  a  disposition  to  favour  the  Indians,  and 
having  taken  an  active  part  in  aiding  and  abetting  them 
in  this  war.  I  ht'sitaied,  therefore,  no  longer;  and,  as  1 
could  not  be  received  in  iriendship,  1  entered  the  fort  by 
violtnee." 

The  American  army  soon  after  moved  on  in  pursuit  of 
the  enefny,  who  were  able  to  make  very  little  resistance  ; 
destroying  their  settlements,  and  taking  a  few  stragglers 
prisoners,  until  they  arrived  before  Pensacola,  which  was 
surrendered,  and  taken  j)ossession  of  hy  the  American 
trooj)S.  'Jhe  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  Gen. 
Jackson  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  dat«>d  Fort  Montgomery, 
June  2,  will  acquaint  the  reader  with  his  reasons  as  there- 
in staled,  for  having  penetrated  so  far,  and  taken  forcible 
possession  bf  Pensacola. 

"  On  the  10th  of  Maj  my  army  crossed  the  river  at  the 
Ochessee  village,  and  after  a  fatiguing,  tedious  and  cir- 
cuitous march  of  twelve  days,  misled  by  the  ignorance  of 
our  pilots,  and  exposed  to  the  severest  privations,  wc 
finally  reached  and  effected  a  passage  over  the  Ivcandria. 
On  my  march  on  the  23d  of  May,  a  |)rotest  from  tlie  Gov- 
ernor (if  P(Misa(!<)la  was  delivj-red  to  me  by  a  ISpanish 
officer,  remonstrating  in  warm  terms  against  my  proceed- 
ings, and  ordering  me  and  my  forc(^  instunily  to  quit  tho 
territory  of  his  Caholic  Majesty,  wiih  a  threat  to  apj)ly 
force  in  the  event  of  a  non-compliance.  This  was  so 
open  an  indication  of  a  hostile  feeling  on  his  part,  after 
having  been  early  auJ  vvt  II  advised  of  the  objects  of  my 
operations,  that  I  hesitated  no  longeron  the  measures  to 
b«  adopted.  I  marched  lor  and  entered  l^ensacola  with 
only  the  show  of  resistance,  on  the  24th  of  May.  The 
Governor  had  previously  fled  to  the  Carlos  de  Barrancas 
»'  here  it  ii.  said  he  resolved  upon  a  most  desperate  resist- 
ance. The  peaceable  surrender  of  the  Fort  at  the  Bar- 
rancas was  denied.  I  marched  for  and  invested  it  on  the 
evening  of  the  25th  of  May,  and  on  the  sainp  night  j)ush- 
ed  reeonnoitering  parties  under  its  very  guns.  On  the 
morning  of  the  26th  a  military  reconnoisance  was  taken 


INDIAN    WJaS. 


273 


und  on  the  same  night  :i  lodgement  was  made,  under  a 
lire  fi'^ni  t!ie  Sp'«nis!i  g;»riiso«\  by  Capt.  Gadsden  of  the 
engiji 'Ts,  aided  hy  Captains  Call  and  Young,  on  a  com- 
maniiing  position  ^vithin  three  hundred  and  eighty-five 
yards  of  the  Spanish  works,  and  a  nine  pounder  mounted. 
A  howitzer  'uatteiy  was  simultaneously  established  on  the 
capitol  and  within  seven  hundred  and  fifty  yurds  of  the 
fort.  At  dayligliL  oa  '  j  27th,  the  Spanish  ganison  open- 
ed their  artillery  on  our  batteries  ;  a  parley  was  sounded, 
a  flag  sert  in,  and  the  surrender  of  Fort  Carlos  dc  Bar- 
rancas again  len  nded  ;  the  favorable  positions  obtained 
were  pointed  out,  ;  'id  the  inutility  of  resistance  urged. 
Anxious  to  avoid  an  open  contest,  and  to  save  the  effusion 
of  blood,  the  same  terms  previously  offered  were  again 
tendered.  These  were  rejected  and  offensive  operations 
re-commenced.  A  spirited  and  well  directed  fire  was 
kept  up  the  greater  part  of  the  morning,  and  at  intervals 
during  the  afternoon.  In  the  evening  a  flag  was  sent 
from  the  Spanish  Commandant,  ofTering  to  capitulate  and 
a  suspension  of  hostil.tics  were  granted  until  eight  o'clock 
the  next  di»y,  when  articles  of  capitulation  were  signed 
and  agreed  to.  I  he  tenns  are  more  favorable  than  a 
conquered  enemy  vvo,.'^,  have  merited  ;  but,  under  the 
peculiar  circumstances  v ''  the  case,  my  object  obtained, 
there  was  no  motive  or  wounding  the  feelings  of  those 
whose  military  pride  or  honor  had  prompted  to  the  resist- 
ance made.  The  articles,  with  but  one  condition,  amount 
to  the  complete  cession  to  the  United  States  of  that  por- 
tion of  the  Floridas,  'litherto  under  the  government  of 
Don  Jose  Masot. 

*'  The  Seminole  w  tr  may  now  be  considered  at  a  close, 
tranquility  again  restored  to  the  southern  frontier  of  the 
United  States,  and,  as  long  as  a  ccrdon  of  military  posts 
is  maintained  along  the  gulf  of  Mexico,  America  has 
nothing  to  apprehend  from  either  foreign  or  Indian  hos- 
tilhies.  Indeed,  sir,  to  attempt  to  fortify  or  protect  an 
imaginary  line,  or  to  suppose  that  a  frontier  on  the  3 1st 
degree  of  latitude,  t^  a  wilderness,  can  be  secured  by  a 
coridor  of  militar  .  sts,  whilst  the  Spanish  authorities 
were  not  maintaiiieo  in  *he  Floridas,  and  that  the  country 
lay   open  to  the  usg     .mI    excitement   of  un   enemv,   ii 


274 


INDIAN    WARS. 


vlsioiiiu-y  in  the  cxtrcnM?.  On  the  w vnoutaMe  iiriiicijjle, 
iiiereloie,  of  sclf-deiViKe,  autliorizf  '  hy  tl.e  km  of  nature 
and  of  nations  have  1  bottomed  all  mv  o|jrrations.  On 
the  fact  that  the  Spanish  officers  had  aided  and  aletted 
the  Indians),  and  thereby  became  a  party  in  hostility 
against  us,  do  I  justify  my  occupying  the  Spanisii  for- 
tresses. Spain  has  disregarded  the  treaties  existing  with 
the  American  government,  or  had  not  i)ovver  lo  enforcie 
them.  The  Indian  tribes  within  her  territory  and  which 
she  was  bound  to  keep  at  peace,  visited  our  citizens  with 
all  the  horrors  of  savage  war.  Negro  brigades  werie 
establishing  themselves  when  and  where  they  pleased, 
and  foreign  agents  were  openly  and  knowingly  prac- 
tising their  intrigues  in  this  neutral  territory.  The 
immutable  principles  of  self-defence  justified,  tiierefore, 
the  occupancy  of  the  Floridas,  and  the  same  prin- 
ciples will  warrant  the  American  government  in  hold- 
ing it  until  such  time  as  Spain  can  guarantee,  by  an 
adequate  military  force,  the  maintaining  her  authority. 
^uh>n  the  colony." 


CHAP.  XVI. 


HOSTILITIES  WITH  THE  INDIAN  TRIBES  ON  THE  NORTH  WESTERN 
•  FRONTIERS,  CALLED  BLACK  HAWK'S  WAR. 


The  Winnebagoes,  Menominies,  Pottowatamies,  and 
Sacs  and  .Foxes,  were  engaged  in  this  border  war  with 
Black  Hawk.  In  order  to  understand  the  causes  of  this 
war,  it  will  be  necessary  for  us  to  recount  some  circum- 
stances which  occurred  in  1823.  - 

.This  year  the  United  States  agent  held  a  treaty  at 


IKDIAN    WARl. 


275 


IRN 


considerahle  attcu 
in  tlunn  drove  sever, 
of  llifc    Wiiincbag 
States.      It  h  sup|'0^ 
cause  of   the    muid 


ut 


Prairie  du  Cliien,  with  the  Sars»  Foxes,  VVinnebagoes, 
Chippevvays,  Siou.v,  &c.  principally  to  effect  a  |)cacc  be- 
tween the  Sacs  and  the  other  tiil)es.  The  bcttet  to  effect 
(his  object,  bounds  were  S(;t  to  each  tribe. 

The  Ga'^  iia  K^ad     'iiies  about  the  s;iine  time  attracted 

'id  the  avarice  of  those  concerned 

h    isand   miners   into  tlie   countr ^ 

)p\ond   the   limits  of  the   United 

s  great  encroachment  was  the 

,.    a    family,    living   neiir    Prairie 

du  Cliien,  by   a  party  of   Winnebagoes,  two  of   whoni 

•  w«re    afterwards    imprisoned    in    the  jail  of    Crawford 

county. 

An  article  in  the  above  mentionc^d  treaty  provided  that 
any  of  the  five  nations  cone*  rued  in  ihis  treat  /,  visiting 
of  tlui  United  States,  should' be  protected  from  all  insults 
by  the  garrison.  Notwithstanding  this,  in  thp  summer 
of  1827,  a  party  of  twenty-four  Chippeways  on  a  visit  to 
Fort  Snelling,  were  fallen  u[)cn  by  a  band  of  Sioux, 
who  killed  and  wounded  eight  of  them.  The  com- 
mandanfof  the  fort  captured  four  of  the  Sioux,  and  de- 
livered them  into  the  hands  of  the  Chippeways,  who  im- 
mediately shot  them. 

Red  Bird,  the  Sioux  chief,  repaired  to  Prairie  du  Chieii 
with  three  companions,  desperate  as  himself,  about  the 
first  of  July,  and  there  killed  two  persons,  wounded  a 
third,  and  without  taking  plunder,  retired  to  Bad-axo 
river.  Here,  soon  after,  he  waylaid  two  keel  boats  that 
had  been  conveying  some  Missionaries  to  I'ort  Snelling,  in 
one  of  which,  two  persons  were  killed,  the  others  escajjed 
with  little  injury. 

Not  long  after,  Gju.  Atkinson  marched  into  the  Winne- 
bago country,  and  ruptured  some  hostile  Winncbrgoes 
and  Red  Bird,  who  (li(^d  soon  after  in  prison. 

The  Indians,  who  wore  imprisoned  for  the  murder  at 
Prairie  du  Chien,  were  discharged,  anri  Black  Hawk  and 
two  others,  who  had  leen  imprisoned  for  the  attack  on 
the  boats,  before  mentioned,  were  also  discharged. 

Very  little  piins  were  tak  •«  to  satisfy  the  Indians,  or 
to  make  the  settler^  do  Justice  to  their.  As  the  latter  in 
many  ca^es,  have  v  ry  little  to  lose,  and  much  to  gain,  if 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  S72-4503 


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27« 


INBIAN    WARS. 


an  Indian  y%'ar  be  successful,  ue  need  not  le  surprised 
that  they. take  so  little  pains  to  be  first  on  conciliating  to 
their  red  brethren.  '1  he  gain  which  the  settlers  are 
sure  of  in  a  successful  Indian  war,  arises  from  the  Indians 
being  obliged  to  give  up  their  lands,  in  which  case  thej 
are  removed  from  them  by  settlers,  and  they  are  no  longer 
a  frontier,  but  a  thoroughfare  to  one,  and  the  consequent 
flocking  in  of  new  settlers,  raises  the  value  of  produce  as 
well  as  of  land,  by  creating  a  (demand  for  them.  Thus,  it 
is  not  difficult  to  see  the  avaricious  on  the  frontiers  have 
every  inducement  to  bring  about  an  Indian  war. 

The  foregoing  account  shows  that  Black  Hawk  was 
iinprisoned  on  suspicion,  perhaps  justly,  but  this  was  not 
his  sole  cause  of  complaint.  His  friend  Red  fiird  had 
died  in  prison,  Indians  were  executed  for  murderng 
whites,  but  it  did  not  follow  whites  were  treated  in  like 
manner  for  murdering  Indians.  These  causes  had  long 
been  producing  a  feeling  of  disaffection  among  the  northern 
and  western  tribes.  Hence,  it  is  not  singular  that  the 
whites  of  the  frontier  of  Illinois  believed  the  Indians,  from 
Canada  to  Mexico,  more  hostile,  than  at  any  period  since 
the  war  of  1812. 

The  Sacs,  who  had  served  Great  Britain  against  the 
Americans,  were  the  most  conspicuous  in  their  enmity. 
This  band  of  Sacs  rendevouzed  at  their  chief  village  on 
the  Mississippi,  where  they  had  collected  such  of  their 
neighbors  as  wished  to  engage  in  the  war. 

Gen.  Gaines  marched  to,  and  possessed  himself  of  this 
village,  on  the  26th  of  June.  This  he  did  without  oppo- 
sition, for  when  the  Indians  discovered  the  army,  they 
fled  across  the  river,  and  displayed  a  flag  for  parley. 
Meantime,  their  associates  had  abandoned  them,  and  the 
Sacs  were  left  to  man:ige  affairs  in  the  best  manner  they 
could.  They,  therefore,  made  peace  with  all  due  sub- 
mission, and  Gen.  Gaines  was  of  opinion,  they  were  as 
completely  humbled  as  if  they  had  been  chastised  in  battle^ 
and  were  less  disposed  to  disturb  the  frontier,  than  if  that 
event  had  taken  place.  Previous  to  this,  he  had  declared 
his  belief  that  whatever  might  be  their  hostile  feelings, 
they  would  abstain  from  the  use  of  tomahawks  and  tiro 
arms,  except  in  self-defence. 


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About  the  same  time,  a  difficultj  seems  .to  have  arisen 
bctwcen«the  Sacs  :ind  Menominies,  in  which  twenty-eight 
of  the  latter  had  been  murdered^  Agreeably  to  an  article 
of  the  treaty  before  mentioned,  (he  United  States  obliged 
themselves  to  interpose  between  these,  and  other  western 
tribes  in  cases  of  trouble.  But  these  miirdcrs  were  not 
ail  the  Sacs  had  done.  They  had  re  crossed  the  Missis- 
sippi, and  occupied  the  country  on  its  east  bank,  which 
they  had  the  year  before  ceded  to  the  United  States. 

Black  Hawk  was  the  alleged  leader  in  both  cases. 
Therefore,  Gen.  Atkinson  set  out  in  an-  expedition, 
hoping  to  make  prisoner  of  Black  Hawk,  who  was  said 
to  be  so!e  fomentor  of  all  these  disturbances.  It  was 
also  alleged  he  had  little  respect  for  treaties,  and  that 
he  had  in  former  negotiaiton^,  so  far  overreached  our 
commissioners,  as  to  make  peace  on  his  own  terms.  This 
is  the  first  acknowledgment  of  this  chief's  talents  in  mat- 
ters of  diplomacy. 

Gen.  Atkinson  was  at  a  place  on  Reck  river,  called 
Dixon's  Ferry,  May  15th,  when  he  received  news,  that 
a  force  which  had  marched  to  Sycamore  Creek,  thirty 
miles  in  advance  of  him,  had  met  with  a  total  defeat. 
This  force  had  marched  to  Sycamore  Creek  on  account  of 
the  great  number  of  murders  which  had  been  committed 
there.  Among  the  sufferers  in  that  neighborhood^ 
were  the  family  of  a  Mr.  Hall,  whose  fate  had  created 
much  sympathy.  His  two  daughters^  one  eighteen,  and 
the  other  sixteen,  having  been  carried  into  captivity,  after 
having  seen  their  mother  tomahawked  and  scalped, 
and  twenty  others  murdered  in  the  same  way.  at  Indian 
Creek.  These  young  women  were  humanely  treated 
during  their  captivity,  and  afterw.ards  restored  to  their 
friends. 

The  force  that  marched  to  Sycamore  Creek,  was  about 
two  hundred  and  seventy-five  strong,  under  the  command 
of  Maj.  Stillman.  When  the  news  of  this  massaers  at 
Indian  Creek  arrived,  they  obtained  leave  of  Gen.  White- 
sides,  to  march  to  the  scene  of  murder.  On  Monday,  the 
14th  of  May,  they  came  upon  a  few  Indians,  whether 
enemies  or  not,  it  is  not  probable  they  inquired,  for  theirs 
was  the  march  of  i3eath,  therefore  two  of  them  were  shot, 


278 


INDIAN    WARS. 


ond  two  rnorft .  captured.  The  same  day,  at  evening, 
when  the  army  had  arrived  at  a  convenient  plgce  to  en- 
camp, and  were  making  some  preparations  for  thut  pur- 
pose, a  small  band  of  Indians  was  discovered  bearing  a 
white  flag.  One  company  of  men  went  out  to  meet  them, 
but  soon  discovered  they  were  only  a  decoy.  How  they 
ascertained  thirffact,  we  arc  not  informed.  This  com- 
pany of  discoverers,  therefore  fell  back  upon  the  main 
body,  which  by  this  time,  had  remounted,  and  as  strange 
as  it  is  true,  this  misguided  band  rushed  forward,  regard- 
less of  all  order,  for  several  miles,  till  they  crossed  Syc- 
amore Creek,  and  were  completely  in  the  Indians  power. 
What  follows,  equals  a  simjlar  affair  at  Pawtuckct.  The 
Americans  had  crossed  the  creek  man  by  man,  as  they 
came  to  it,  and  all  the  Indians  had  to  do,  was  to  wait  till 
a  goodly  number  had  come  within  their  grasp.  It  was 
moonlight  \yhen  tho  fight  began,  and  after  a  few  strug- 
gles, the  whites  fled  in  greater  disorder,  if  possible,  than 
they  came.  The  Indians,  after  making  the  onset  with 
their  guns,  fell  on  Ihem  with  knives  and  tomahawks,  and 
had  not  the  night,  and  situation  of  the  country,  favored 
their  flight,  nearly  all  the  army  must  have  been  cut  off. 
The  Indians  were  supposed  to  be  nearly  two  thousand 
strong,  and  it  was  said  twelve  of  them  were  killed.  Of 
the  whites,  only  thirteen  are  reported  killed.  Their  flight 
equalled  that  of  Gen.  St.  Clair's  army.  Fourteen  hun- 
dred'men,  immedintely  after,  marched  to  the  scene  of 
action  to  bury  the  dead,  and  their  account  of  the  barbari- 
ties committed  on  the  bodies  of  the  slain,  quite  equals 
any  thing  before  recounted.  One  soldier  only,  escaped 
disfiguration,  which  is  not  easily  accounted  for,  unless  he 
had  secreted  himself  until  all  the  Indians  but  one  had  left 
the  scene  of  action  ;  for  he  was  found  side  bv  side,  with 
an  Indian,  each  grasping  the  other,  and  both  in  the  arms 
of  death.  The  soldier's  head  was  nearly  cut  off,  and 
the  Indian  shot  through  the  body.  Here  it  was-suppos- 
ed,  the  two  had  exchanged  their  deadly  shafts  at  the  same 
moiYient,  and  from  the  situation  of  the  lndi«1n,  it  was 
evident  he  had  died  in  the  very  act  of  dealing  the  fatal 
blow  upon  his  adversary. 


^NI}IA?<    WARS. 


270 


pur- 


The 
they 


flight 
hu  li- 
me of 
bari- 
quals 
aped 
sshe 
Heft 
with 
arras 
and 
pos- 
same 
was 
atal 


An  idea  of  the  rapidity  with  which  the  Indians  con- 
vey intelligence  of  important  events,  may  be  had,  from 
the  fact,  that  a  runner  from  Black  Hawk  and  his  allies, 
bearing  the  news  of  this  victory  to  the  Missouri  Indians, 
arrived  at  Des  Moines  Rapids,  twenty-four  hours  before 
the  express  sent  by  Gov.  Reynolds. 

The  cholera,  the  following  July,  raged  among  the 
troops,  opposed  to  the  Indians,  so  severely  that  several 
companies  were  entirely  broken  up,  and  many  among 
them  perished,  in  a  manner  too  revolting  to  be  described. 
Of  one  corps  of  two  hundred  and  eight  men,  but  nine 
were  left  alive. 

Gen.  Dodge  surprised  a  party  of  twelve  Indiaps  at 
Galena,  and  cut  them  off  to  a  man;  the  whites  scalped  the 
slain,  that  they  might  not  be  outdone  in  these,  or  any 
other  barbarities,  by  their  foes. 

Black  Hawk  assembled  his  forces,  at  a  point  between 
Rock  and  Ouisconsin  rivers,  where  he  expected  to  meet 
the  whites  in  a  general  battle.  His  warriors  amounted 
to  a  thousand  or  more.  Gen.  Atkinson  had  nearly  double 
that  number  of  men,  and  resolved  to  meet  him  as  soon  as 
possible.  Great  hopes  were  entertained,  that  in  such  an 
event,  a  finishing  blow  would  be  put  to  the  war.  But 
Black  Hawk  ^yas  too  wary,  to  thus  expose  himself  to  ut- 
ter and  irretrievable  ruin,  and  accordingly,  made  good 
his  retreat  into  an  interminable  wilderness. 
■  Gen.  Atkinson  riiade  his  way  to  Cashkohong,  through 
woods,  swamps  and  defiles,  almost  impassible,*and  con- 
stantly exposed  to  the  danger  of  an  ambuscade.  On  his 
arrival  at  this  place,  lie  was,  apparently,  no  nearer  his 
enemy;  than  at  the  commencement  of  this  perilous  march. 
Indeed,  fair  open  battle,  seemed  to  be  a  most  unlikely 
thing  to  invite  Black  Hawk,  as  his  numbers  were  greatly 
inferior  to  tlje  Americans.  Therefore,  no  hope  of  bring- 
ing him  to  terms,  seemed  left,  unless  effected  by  strata- 
gem. 

While  pen.  Atkinson  was  making  this  fruitless  march. 
Gen.  Dodge  was  about  forty  miles  from  Fort  Winne- 
bago, following  the  trail  of  Indians,  who  proved  to  be  a 
flying,  and  nearly  starved  band,  capabli  of  offering  little. 


2fl0 


!NDIA:t    WAR§. 


or  no  resiafonce.  But,  as  (hey  were  attncked  in  the  eve- 
ning after,  sixteen  were  butchered  ;  the  rest  cscnpccl. 
To  form  some  idea  of  the  situation  of  these  poor  Indians, 
Yfc  have  only  to  rend  the  accounts  of  the  American  com- 
mander to  the  War  Department,  in  which  he  states,  that 
they  found  many  dead,  as  thoy  marched  along,  very  much 
emaciated,  and  having  died,  evidently,  of  starvation. 

It  became  a  matttr  of  question  to  the  two  command- 
ers, where  they  should  seek  their  enemy.  From  the 
supposition  that  they  might  have  descended  the  Ouiscon- 
tin)  and  so  escaped  across  the  Mississippi,  that  wuyi  Caen. 
Dodge  recommended  a  cannon  should  be  placed  on  the 
river  to  cut  them  otT ;  and  Gen.  Atkinson  marched  for  the 
Blue  Mounds,  with  an  army,  consisting  of  regular  troops 
and  mounted  men,  to  the  number  of  sixteen  hundred. 

Meanwhile  Black  Hawk,  seeing  the  necessity  of  es- 
cape, and  tlwt  it  could  not  be  effeoted  with  his  whole 
company,  crossed  the  country,  and  came  to  the  iMississip- 
pi,  some  way  above  the  mouth  of  the  Ouisconsin.  Hero, 
the  better  to  ensure  the  escape  of  his  warriors,  he  allow- 
ed the  women  and  children  to  descend  the  river  in  boats, 
many  of  whom  were  captured  by  the  whites.  Some  of 
the  boats,  however,  were  upset,  and  the  poor  creatures 
drowned.  Those  who  lived  to  arrive  at  Prairie  du  Chien 
were  in  a  most  pitiable  condition,  many  of  the  children 
being  so  nearly  famished,  it  was  almost  impossible  to  re- 
vive them.  And  the  report  goes  on  to  say,  "  they  were 
generally  received,  and  trea'ted  humanely." 

The  steamboat.  Warrior,  was  soon  after  sent  up  the 
Mississippi,  with  a  small  force  on  board,  in  hopes  they 
might  somewhere  discover  the  savages.  IJpon  the  arrival 
of  the  boat  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  the  last  of  July,  she  was 
despatched  to  Wapashaws  village,  one  hundred  and 
twenty  mfles  higher  on  the  river,  to  inform  the  inhabitants 
of  the  approach  of  the  Sacs,  and  to  order  all  the  friend- 
ly Indians  down  to  Prairie  du  Chien.  On  the  return  of 
the  steamboat,  they  met  one  of  the  Sioux  bands,  who 
told  them,  their  enemies  were  encamped  on  ^Bad-axe 
river,  to  the  number  of  four  hundred.  The  Warrior  here 
stopped  to  take  ioft  some  wood  and  prepare  for  action. 
Thej  discovered  Tne  enemy  about  4  o'clock  on  the  after- 


INDIAN    WARS. 


t81 


noon  of  August  Ist,  who,  as  they  approached,  raised  a 
white  flag,  which  being  looked  upon  as  a  decoy,  no  at- 
tention was  paid  to  it.  They  declined  sending  a  boat 
on  board  when  ordered. 

After  giving  them  a  few  minutes  io  remove  their  wo- 
men and  children,  (a  piece  of  courtesy  somewhat  rare 
in  our  border  wars,)  the  boat  fired  a  six  pounder,  loaded 
with  cannister,  and  followed  by  a  severe  fire  of  musket- 
ry. The  battle  continued  for  about  an  hour,  when  she 
weighed  anchor  and  proceeded  to  Prarie  du  Chicn. 
Twenty-three  Indians  were  killed  and  many  wounded. 
The  Americans  lost  none.  Before  the  steamboat  could 
return  to  the  battle  field,  next  morning,  Gen.  Atkinson 
and  his  army  had  engaged  the  Indians.  The  Warrior 
joined  the  contest ;  the  Americans  this  day  lost  eight  or 
nine  killed,  and  seventeen  wounded,  whom  the  Warrior 
took  to  Prairie  du  Ghien  at  night,  and  also,  captives  to 
the  Humber  of  thirty-six,  women  and  children.  The 
spot  where  this  battle  took  place  was  about  forty  miles 
above  Prairie  du  Chien,  on  the  north  side  of  the  Miss- 
issippi,' opposite  the  mouth  of  the  |owa*  It  was  very 
fortunate  for  the  whites,  that  they  were  able  to  co-ope- 
rate, on  land  and  water,  at  the  same  time. 

Gen.  Atkinrfm  having  formed  a  junction  with  Gen. 
Dodge,  the  aruy  crossed  the  Ouisconsin  on  the  2Sth  of 
July,  and  soon  after  discovered  the  route  of  the  Indians, 
who  were  flying  from  the  scene  of  action. 

The  country  through  which  the  army  had  to  march, 
was  a  continual  series  of  mountains,  covered  entirely 
with  a  thick  growth  of  heavy  timber,  and  much  under- 
wood. The  valleys  were  so  deep  as  to  make  them  al- 
most as  difficult  to  cross  ;  but  nothing  could  damp  the 
ardor  of  the  Americans,  as  they  pressed  on  to  overtake 
Black  Hawk,  before  he  should  be  able  to  escape  across 
the  Mississippi. 

The  place  where  the  Indians  were  overtaken,  was 
very  favorable  for  them,  as  may  be  judged  by  their  being 
able  to  maintain  a  battle  of  more  than  three  hours,  in 
the  wretched  and  nearly  famished  con^on  they  were  in, 
and  when  thttr  whole  force  only  amoumed  to  three  hun- 
dred warriors.  They  were  discovered  in  a  deep  ravine 
36 


«2 


INDIAN    WARS. 


at  the  foot  of  a  precipice,  over  which  the  army  bad  to 
pass.  Notwithstanding  the  misery  of  their  condition, 
nothing  but  the  bayonet's  point  routed  them.  Old  logs, 
high  grass,  and  large  trees,  covered  them  until  the  charge 
was  made,  and  as  they  were  driven  from  one  covert, 
they  readily  found  another,  and  thus  protracted  the  con- 
test. At  length,  Gen^  Atkinson  disposed  his  force  so  as 
to  come  upon  them  from  above,  below,  and  in  the  centre. 
No  chance  now  remained  to  the  Indians,  but  to  swim 
the  Mississippi,  or  elude  the  vigilance  of  their  enemy  by 
land,  who  had  nearly  encompassed  them.  Many  there- 
fore, adventured  to  cross  the  river  ;  but  as  the  slaughter 
was  greatest  there,  few  escaped.  However,  a  consider- 
able number  succeeded  in  escaping  by  land.  One  hun- 
dred and  fifty  of  them  were  supposed  to  have  been  killed 
in  this  battle. 

Black  HaWk  was  among  those  who  escaped,  but  in 
such  haste  as  to  leave  even  his  papers  behind  him,  one 
of  which  was  a  certificate  from  British  ofiicers,  that  he 
had  served  fuithfully,  and  fought  valiantly  for  them,  in 
the  late  war  against  the  United  States.  The  prisoners 
taken  at  this  battle,  iftated  that  at  the  one  which  occur- 
red  at  Ouisconsin,  between  their  army  and  General 
Dodge's  they  lost  sixty-eight,  besides  many  wounded. 

It  was  now  believed  the  Sacs  would  be  glad  to  make 
peace  on  any  terms.  Accordingly,  Gen.  Atkinson  de- 
termined to  order  Keokuk  to  demand  a  surrender  of  the 
remaining  principal  men  of  the  hostile  party. 

From  the  battle  ground,  the  commanders  went  down 
the  river  to  Prairie  du  Ghien,  (fort  Crawford)  in  the 
Warrior,  and  the  army  followed  by  land.  On  their  way 
they  killed  and  captured  a  few  Sacs. 

The  desperate  fortunes  of  the  hostile  Indians,  induced 
many  of  their  countrymen  to  volunteer  to  hunt  them 
down.  One  hundred  Sioux  obtained  permission  to  seek 
them,  and  were  followed  by  a  small  band  of  the  same 
nation  )  they  overtook  the  enemy,  and  killed  about  one 
hundred  and  twenty.  About  this  time,  Keo'^uk,  the 
friendly  Sac  chief,  above  mentioned,  found  a  nephew  of 
his  had  been  accrilfsed  of  the  murder  of  a  man  named 
Martin  ;  he  gave  him  up  to  be  dealt  with   according  to 


INBIAN  WARI. 


fSS 


uced 
Ihem 
seek 
same 
one 
the 
iW  of 
imed 
igto 


the  proof  brought  of  his  crime,  whieh  took  plaee  in  War- 
ren county,  Illinois. 

Among  those  who  fought  under  Black  Hawk,  were 
the  several  chiefs  of  the  different  tribes,  who  acted  as 
his  counsellors  and  stabalterns.  At  the  last  great  battle 
of  that  chief  on  the  Mississippi,  Neopop,  Black  Hawk's 
second  in  command,  was  captured. 

Gen.  Scott  questioned  him  about  the  murders  which 
had  recently  been  committed,  of  which,  and  his  own  his** 
tory,  he  gave  the  following  account.  **  I  always  belong- 
ed to  Black  Hawk's  band.  Last  summer,  I  went  to 
Maiden  ;  when  I  came  back,  I  found  by  the  treaty  with 
Gen.  Gaines,  the  Sacs  had  moved  across  the  Mississippi. 
I  remained  during  the  winter  with  the  Prophet,  on  Rock 
river,  thirty-five  miles  from  its  mouth.  During  the  winter, 
the  Prophet  sent  me  acioss  the  river  to  Black  Hawk 
with  a  message,  to  tell  him  and  his  band  to  cross  back 
to  his  old  village  and  make  corn  ;  that  if  the  Americans 
came  and  told  them  to  moveC  again,  they  should  shake 
hands  with  them.  If  the  Americans  had  come  and  told 
us  to  move,  we  should  have  shaken  hands  and  moved 
peaceably.  We  encamped  on  Syracuse  Creek.  We 
met  some  Potto watamies,  and  I  made  a  feast  for  them. 
At  that  time,  I  heard  there  were  some  Americans,  (the 
force  under  Maj.  Stillman,)  near  us.  I  prepared  a  white 
flag  to  go  and  see  them,  and  sent  two  or  three  young  men, 
on  a  bill)  to  see  what  they  were  doing.  Before  the  feast 
was  finished,  I  heard  my  young  men  were  killed.  This 
was  at  sunset.  Some  of  my  young  men  ran  out,  two 
were  killed,  and  the  Americans  were  seen  rushing  on  to 
our  camp.  My  young  men  fired  a  few  guns  and  the  A- 
raericans  ran  off,  and  my  young  men  chased  them  about 
six  miles." 

Neopop  farther  said,  his  guests,  the  Pottowataniie's  of 
the  village,  immediately  left  them,  and  no  Kickapoos 
joined  them,  but  those  who  were  originally  with  Black 
Hawk  ;  but  the  Winnebagoes  joined  with  them,  and 
frequently  brought  in  scalps;  that  at  last,  when  they  found 
Black  Hawk  would  be  beaten,  they  joined  the  Americans. 

It  was  also  stated  by  some  of  the  warriors,  who  were 
examined  at  the  same  time,  that  Black  Hawkaaid,  when 


184 


HfBUM    WARS. 


the  ■teamboat  Warrior  approached  them,  that  he  pitied 
the  women  and  children,  and  began  to  make  preparationa 
to  surrender,  and  for  that  purpose  sent  out  a  white  flag 
to  meet  the  .boat,  whicK  immediately  fired  upon  them  ; 
then  said  he,  "  I  fired  too."  The  truth  of  this  will  not 
be  questioned,  inasmuch  as  the  facts  agree  entirely  with 
the  account  given  by  the  captain  of  the  Warrior.  But 
for  a  spirit  of  revenge,  it  is  clear  much  blood  might  have 
been  saved. 

It  is  much  to  be  lamented,  in  most  of  our  border  wars, 
precipitancy  and  hot  headedness  on  the  part  of  the  whites, 
should  go  unpunished.  Until  such  offenders  are  proper* 
]y  dealt  with  for  their  conduct,  much  blood  will  be  un- 
necessarily shed,  and  a  sense  of  injustice  always  felt  by 
our  red  brethren,  whose  whole  history  goes  to  show  they 
never  were  dealt  with,  as  we  should  feel  obliged  to  deal 
with  a  more  |)owerful  and  enlightened  foe.  But  the  in- 
stances where  our  army,  on  the  frontier  have  acted  with- 
out coolness  and  judgment,  are  comparaively,  but  a  small 
item  in  the  grievances  the  Indians  have  to  complain  of. 
The  conduct  of  the  white  inhabitants  on  our  frontier, 
almost  without  exception,  towards  these  original  own- 
ers of  the  soil,  has  been  outrageous.  They  have  reduc- 
ed them  to  a  state  of  beastly  intoxication,  as  a  preparto- 
ry  measure,  when  they  wished  to  make  bargains  with 
them,  and  then  overreached  and  cheated  them  in  every 
possible  way.  Nor  is  this  all.  The  more  desperate 
class  of  adventurers,  who  hang  upon  the  outskirts  of  civil- 
ization., like  a  garment  of  pestilence,  have  not  scrupled, 
for  the  slightest  cause,  or  no  cause  at  at  all,  to  shoot  an 
Indian  and  both  they  and  the  administrators  of  the 
laws,  in  those  districts,  seem  to  look  upon  it  as  little  of  a 
crime,  as  it  would  be  to  shoot  a  partridge  or  a  hare. 

It  has  been  mentioned  as  a  matter  of  much  astonish- 
ment on  the  frontier,  that  several  of  the  peltry  merchants 
will  not  make  use  of  spirits  in  bartering  with  the  In- 
dians! ! !     May  their  example  be  followed. 

To  return  to  our  account  of  Black  Hawk,  hunted  like 
the  wild  deer  of  the  forest,  the  old  chief,  after  many 
wanderings  and  mach  suffering,  was  at  last  captured,  and 
delivered  up  to  Gen.  Street  at  Prairie  du  Chien.     His 


INDIAN  WAmt. 


f8A 


in- 


lish- 

Imts 

In- 

hike 

lany 

land 

His 


companion  in  his  flight  and  captivity  was,  the  Prophet 
before  alluded  to.  They  showed  a  proper  sense  of  self- 
respect  by  appearing  before  the  commander  in  full  dress, 
which  consisted  of  tanned  white  deer-skin.  One  of  the 
Winnebagoes  who  captured  them,  delivered  a  speech  on 
the  occasion  to  Gen.  Street,  desiring  the  fulfilment  of 
the  promises  made  to  those  who  should  capture  and  bring ' 
alive,  these  men  into  the  hands  of  the  whites. 

To  this  speech,  the  general  replied,  he  wished  the 
captors  and  the  prisoners  to  go  to  Rock  Island,  where 
the  President  had  desired  Gen.  Scott,  and  the  Governor 
of  Illinois,  to  hold  a  council.  Both  the  Indians,  who 
had  taken  these  prisoners,  seemed  desirous  that  rewards 
for  the  deed,  should  b  io  their  tribe,  rather  than  to  them 
personally. 

Eleven  chiefs  of  the  Sacs  and  Foxes,  besides  Black 
Hawk  and  the  Prophet,  were  sent  to  Jefferson  Barracks^ 
and  there  put  in  irons. 

In  September,  a  treaty  was  made  by  the  United  States, 
with  the  Winnebagoes,  and  also  with  the  Sacs  and  Fox- 
es. The  Winccbagoes  ceded  all  their  lands  south  of  the 
Ouisconsin,  and  east  of  the  Mississippi,  amounting  to  one 
million,  six  hundred  thousand  acres  of  valuable  land. 
The  treaty  with  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  gave  to  the  govern- 
ment six  hundred  thousand  acres  more,  of  a  quality  not 
inferior  to  any  between  the  same  parallels  of  latitude,  and 
abounding  with  lead  ore. 

For  these  lands,  the  United  States  agreed  to  the  fol- 
lowing conditions:  to  pay  an  annuity  of  twenty  thousand 
dollars  for  thirty  years,  to  support  a  gun  smith  and  black- 
smith, besides  some  already  employed,  to  pay  the  debts 
of  the  tribes,  and  to  supply  provisions.  As  a  reward 
for  the  fidelity  of  Keokuk  and  the  friendly  band,  to  al- 
low a  reservation  to  be  made  for  them,  of  forty  square 
miles  on  the  Iowa  river,  to  include  Keokuk's  principal 
village. 

By  this  same  treaty,  Black  Hawk,  his  two  sons,  the 
Prophet,  Neopop,  and  five  other  principal  warriors  of  the 
hostile  band,  were  to  remain  in  the  hands  of  the  whites, 
as  hostages,  during  the  President's  pleasure. 

A  visitor  at  Jefferson  Barracks  thus  speaks  of  the  cap- 


•A^m-  *»-  -  t.^-.- 


286 


INDIAN   WARS. 


I 
I 


1 


1 


tive  Indians  there.  '^We  were  struck  with  admiration 
at  the  gigantic  and  symmetrical  figures  of  most  of  thb 
warriors,  who  seemed,  as  they  reclined  in  native  ease  and 
gracefulness,  with  their  half  naked  bodies  exposed  to 
view,  more  like  statues  from  some  master  hand,  than 
like  beings  of  a  raee,  whom  we  had  characterised  as  de- 
generate and  debased.  They  were  clad  in  leggins  and 
moccasons  of  buck-akin,  and  wore  blankets,  which  were 
disposed  around  them  much  like  the  Roman  toga,  so  as 
to  leave  their  right  arms  bare." 

Black  Hawk  and  bis  son  were  carried  to  Washington 
to  visit  the  President.  At  different  places  on  his  route, 
he  received  many  valuable  presents.,  and  was  looked  upon 
with  great  curiosity  and  interest.  They  returned  by 
way  of  Detroit,  and  arrived  at  Fort  Armstrong  in 
August,  1833. 

The  Indians  were  at  first  taciturn  and  gloomy  on  en- 
tering their  own  forests,  and  on  arriving  at  Rock  Island, 
were  much  disappointed  in  not  finding  some  of  their 
friends,  from  whom  they  might  obtain  intelligence  of  their 
families.  A  band  of  Foxes,  however,  arrived  the  next 
day,  who  gave  the  desired  intelligence. 

Fort  Armstrong,  Rock  Island,  in  Illinois,  was  selected  as 
the  most  appropriate  place  for  the  liberation  of  Black 
Hawk  and  his  party.  It  being  the  most  central  point 
from  the  surrounding  villages,  a  great  number  of  Indians 
could  be  assembled  there  at, short  notice. 

With  most  of  the  party  it  was  delightful  to  return  to  old 
habits  and  pleasures.  But  to  Black  Hawk  it  was  painful. 
He  was  bereft  of  his  greatness,  an  isolated  man,  depen- 
dant on  the  kindness  and  hospitallity  of  those  whom  he 
once  commanded,  and  to  be  ranked  as  a  Sac  only,  with 
Keokuk  as  his  chieftain. 

The  latter  was  absent  on  a  buffalo  hunt  when  Black 
Hawk  arrived,  but  about  noon  the  following  day,  the  din 
and  shouting  of  the  Indians^ announced  his  approach.  He 
was  seated  in  one  of  two  large  canoes  lashed  side  by  side, 
and  followed  by  a  train  of  twenty  more,  each  carrying 
eight  of  his  companions,  who  made  the  woods  re  echo 
their  wild  songs.  They  proceeded  up  the  river,  and  en- 
camped on  the  opposite  side  from  Black  Hawk's  camp. 


INDIAN    WARS. 


281 


ack 
din 
He 
ide, 


en- 


After  arranging  their  toilets,  they  again  commenced 
their  songs  while  crossing  the  river.  Keokuk,  highly  dec- 
orated, was  the  first  to  land,  and  proceeded  to  Black 
Hawk  and  his  party  ;  the  old  chief  was  leaning  upon  his 
cane,  apparently  lost  in  reflection.  They  shook  hands, 
and  Keokuk  welcomed  his  fallen  chief  with  cordiality. 
Their  pipes  seemed  to  make  the  interchange  of  good  feel- 
ing general.  After  smoking,  Keokuk  retired,  saying  he 
should  be  at  the  council  of  the  next  day. 

Accordingly,  the  next  morning,  Keokuk  arrived  at  the 
room  in  the  garrison  appointed  for  the  council,  followed 
by  his  train.  Here  he  was  to  be  invested  with  the  pow- 
er of  the  brave  old  chief  with  whom  he  had  been  for 
many  years  struggling  for  supremacy.  Black  Hawk  and 
his  son  felt  all  the  humiliation  thus  publicly  heaped  upon 
them  ;  however  they  came  into  the  council  and  took  their 
seats.  Maj.  Garland  then  told  them  that  he  wished  all 
present  to  understand  that  the  President  looked  upon  Ke- 
okuk as  the  chief  of  their  nation,  and  wished  Black  Hawk 
to  listen  and  conform  to  his  discourse.  Black  Hawk  be- 
came completely  infuriated  i*t  this.  He  rose  to  speak, 
but  could  hardly  articulate. 

He  said,  "  1  am  an  okl  man  ;  I  will  not  conform  to  the 
counsel  of  any  one.  I  will  act  for  myself ;  no  one  shall 
govern  me.  I  am  old,  my  hair  is  gray.  I  once  gave 
counsels  to  my  young  men,  am  1  to  conform  to  others  ? 
I  shall  soon  go  to  the  Great  Spirit  where  I  shall  rest. 
What  1  said  to  our  great  father  in  Washington,  I  say 
again ;  I  will  always  listen  to  him.  I  am  done."  It  was 
the  last  effort  of  expiring  independence.  It  was  explain- 
ed to  him  that  the  President  requested  him  to  listen  to 
Keokuk.  He  made  no  reply,  but  sat  completely  absorb- 
ed in  his  own  feelings,  when  Keokuk  in  a  suppressed 
tone,  said  to  him,  "  Why  do  you  speak  so  before  the 
white  men.  You  trembled ;  you  did  not  mean  it."  He 
consented,  and  Keokuk  apologized  for  him,  saying  he  was 
old,  <'  and  they  would  not  remember  what  he  had  said." 
After  some  of  the  officers  had  addressed  the  chiefs,  the 
council  broke  up. 

In  the  evening,  Maj.  Garland  invited  the  principal 
chiefs,  with  Black  Hawk,  to  his  quarters,  to  ascertain 
more  particularly  their  feelings  towards  their  fallen  foe. 


288 


INDIAN    WARS. 


After  the  other  chiefs  had  made  speeches,  Black  Hawk 
said  in  a  very  calm  and  dejected  manner,  '*  I  feel  that  I 
am  an  old  man ;  once  I  could  speak,  but  now  1  have  lit- 
tle to  say.  To  day  we  met  many  of  our  brothers ;  we 
tvere  glad  to  see  them.  1  have  listened  to  what  my 
brothers  have  said ;  their  hearts  are  good  ;  they  have 
been  like  Sacs  since  1  left  them  ;  they  have  taken  care 
of  my  wife  and  children,  who  had  no  wigwam.  I  thank 
them  for  it,  the  great  spirit  knows  I  thank  them.  Before 
the  sun  gets  behind  the  hills  tomorrow  1  shall  see  them  ; 
I  want  to  see  them  ;  when  I  left  them  I  expected  soon  to 
return.  1  told  our  great  father,  when  in  Washington,  I 
would  listen  to  his  counsels ;  I  say  so  to  you.  I  will  lis- 
ten to  the  counsel  of  Keokuk.  1  shall  soon  be  far  away  ; 
I  shall  have  no  village,  no  band*;  I  shall  live  alone.'  What 
I  said  in  counsel  to  any,  I  wish  forgotten.  If  it  has  been 
put  upon  paper  I  wish  a  mark  to  be  drawn  over  it.  1  did 
not  mean  it.  Now  we  are  alone  let  ns  say  we  will  forget 
it.  Say  to  our  great  father  and  Gov.  Cass,  that  I  will  lis- 
ten to  them.  Many  years  ago  I  met  Gov.  Cass  in  coun- 
cils, far  across  the  prairies  to  the  rising  sun.  His  coun- 
sels were  good.  My  ears  were  closed.  I  listened  to 
the  great  father  across  the  great  waters.  My  father  lis- 
tened to  him  whose  band  was  large.  My  band  was  once 
large,  now  I  have  no  band.  I  and  my  son,  and  all  our 
party  thank  our  great  father  for  what  he  has  done.  Be 
is  old,  I  am  old,  we  shall  soon  go  to  the  Great  Spirit, 
where  we  shall  rest.  He  sent  us  through  his  great  villa- 
ges. We  saw  many  of  the  white  men,  who  treated  us 
with  kindness.  We  thank  them,  we  say  to  them  we 
thank  them.  We  thank  you  and  Mr.  Sprague  for  coming 
with  iis.  Your  road  was  long  and  crooked.  We  never 
saw  so  many  white  men  before.  When  you  was  with  us 
we  felt  as  though  we  had  some  friends  among  them.  We 
felt  safe.  You  knew  them  all.  When  you  come  upon 
the  Mississippi  again,  you  shall  come  to  my  wigwam.  I 
have  none  now.  On  your  road  home  you  pass  where  my 
village  once  was.  No  one  lives  there  now  ;  all  are  gone. 
I  give  you  my  hand,  we  may  never  meet  again.  I  shall 
long  remember  you.  The  Great  Spirit  will  be  with  you, 
and  your  wives  and  children.    Before  the  sun  rises  I  shall 


'W-- 


>«I^J«l^%l»f^A^*. 


i.f 


awk 
[lat  1 
B  lit- 
;  we 
t  my 
have 
care 
thank 
before 
hem ; 
3on  to 
;ton,  I 
ill  lis- 
iway ; 
What 
s  been 
Idid 
forget 
A^illlis- 
i  coun- 
coun- 
med  to 
ler  lis- 
,s  once 
all  our 
He 
Spirit, 
villa- 
Ited  us 
m   we 
oming 
never 
ith  us 
.    We 
upon 
im.     I 
re  my 
gone. 
1  shall 
h  you, 
I  shall 


■'i'^ 


.i^ly'fi^  ■i^'^-/'^y0  ■■•■i'''*'* '-''feii,    %'4'**' ■"■wv^™  ■ .      "'•*:"'• 


■■^ 

--^n 


mj' 


:Se^- 


4 


I.' 


,n  - 


lABIAM  WARS. 


269 


go  to  my  family.  My  sob  will  be  here  to  see  you  before 
you^o.  I  will  shake  hands  with  my  brothers  irow,  then 
I  am  done/'  The  pafty  here  separated,  in  a  cordial  and 
friendly  manner,  and  peace  seems  to  be  restored  on  a 
firm  basis,  on  our  western  border. 


CHAP.   XVII. 


kEMARKS  ON  THI  WAR  WITH  THE  FLORIBA  INDIANS,  ORSEUr 
INGLES,  WITH  ITS  CAUSES.  PROGRESS  OF  THE  WAR.  OSCE- 
OLA'S TREACHEROUS  CAPTURE.  HIS  IMPRISONMENT  AND 
DEATH. 

Tafi  capture  of  'Pensacola  by  Gen.  Jackson  put  an 
end  to  the  Seminole  war  for  th«  time.  The  Indian  war- 
riors had  retired  to  their  various  settlements,  and  were 
pursuing  their  occupations,  of  hunting  and  cultivating 
their  lands  without  molestation.  They  continued  in  this 
situation  for  several  years  ;  till  a  change  of  their  politi- 
cal relations  with  the  United  States  gave  rise  to  new 
difficulties,  which  led  to  a  renewal  of  hostilities  ;  and  a 
bloody  and  exterminating  war  has  been  carried  on  againsi 
these  sons  of  the  forest,  with  little  success  and  much  to 
the  dishonor  of  our  government,  to  the  present  time, 
livery  artifice  and  stratagem  has  been  made  use  of  to 
subdue  them  or  to  drive  them  from  the  country,  in  order 
that  a  set  of  unprincipled  and  greedy  speculators  might 
get  possession  of  their  lands.  The  resistance  of  these 
people  has  been  the  wonder  of  the  world.  That  a  few 
hundred  Indian  warriors  could  make  a  successful  resis-* 
3T 


f 


^Slt 


290 


INDIAN  WARS. 


tance  to  as  many  thousand  regular  and  well  armed  troops, 
commanded  by  some  of  our  best  generals,  is  the  most  as- 
tonishing event  that  has  ever  occurred  in  all  our  Indian 
warfare. 

The  Florida  war  has  been  the  cause  of  the  expenditure 
of  over  j$fjS0,000,0009  (much  more  than  the  whole  ter- 
territory  is  worth,)  besides  the  loss  of  a  vast  number  of  the 
lives  of  our  citizen  soldiers;  and  still  there  appears  little 
prospect  of  bringing  the  war  to  a  successful  termination. 
In  fact  there  appears  to  be  no  other  way  to  e^ect  it,  but 
by  exterminating  the  whole  Indian  race  by  fire  and  sword. 
That  this  will  eventually  be  the  end,  there  can  be  little 
doubt;  but  how  long  it  will  take  to  effect  this  object,  and 
what  sacrifices  of  life  and  money  will  hav.e  to  be  made, 
time  only  can  disclose. 

East  and' West   Florida  were   ceded  to  the   United 
States,  by  the  Spanish  government,  in  1823,  as  a  set-off 
for  a  claim  we  had  against  them  for  spoliations  commit- 
ted on  our  commerce,  for  ;$500,000.      Soon    after  this 
took  place  a  plan  was  laid  to  get  rid  of  the   Indians,  in 
order  to  gain  possession  of  the  lands  they  owned  and  oc- 
cupied.    To  effect  this  it  was  necessary  to  gain  the  point 
either  by  negociation  and  purchase  or  by  the  sword.    In 
September  following  a  council  was  held  with  their  chiefs, 
and  a  treaty  entered  into  by  them,  which  was  signed  on 
the  I8th   by  several  of.  their  principal  chiefs.      In  this 
treaty  it  was  agreed  on  the  part  of  the  Indians  that  they 
Would  remove  to  the  westward   after  twenty  years  from 
that  date.      By  the  same  treaty  the   American  govern- 
ment secured  to  the  Indians  a  tract  of  land  in  Florida, 
containing  five  millions   of  acres,  for   their  subsistence 
during  the  time  they   remained   in   the    territory  ;    and 
agreed  to  pay  them   certain   annuities,  for  surrendering 
all  title  to  the  rest  of  the  Florida  country,and  the  Indians 
engaged  to  confine  themselves  to  the  limits  of  the  territo- 
ry allotted  to  them.       One  article  of  the  treaty  runs  as 
follows— * 'The  United  States  will  take  the  Florida  In- 
dians under  their   care  and   patronage,  and  will   afford 
them  protection  against  all  persons  whatsoever." 

It  was  doing  a  great  wrong,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  for 
our  government  to  bind   itself  to  conditions,  that  it  was 


INDIAN  WARS. 


S91 


lops, 
itoa- 
idian 

iture 
B  ler- 
afthe 
,  little 
ation. 
t,  but 
word. 
5  little 
5t,  and 
made, 

United 
set-oflf 
ommit- 
ter  this 
ana,  in 
and  00- 
le  point 

rd.    In 
chiefs, 
ned  on 
In  this 
at  they 
rs  from 
overn- 
lorida, 
istence 
and 
ndering 
Indians 
territo- 
runs  as 
ida  In- 
aflford 

If  it,  for 
It  it  was 


probable  they  never  intended  to  fulfil,  or  that  tliey  could 
not  carry  into  eflfect  if  they  were  ever  so  much  disposed 
to  do  it.  The  consequence  was,  that  the  Indians  were 
most  shamefully  robbed  and  plundered  by  a  set  of  mis- 
creants who  were  probably  sent  among  thera,  and  hover- 
ed around  their  settlement  for  that  purpose.  Every  kind 
of  fraud  was  practised  to  cheat  them  out  of  thieir  proper- 
ty. Their  negroes  and  cattle  were  stolen,  carried  oflf 
and  sold  by  a  set  of  land  pirates,  in  defiance  to  all  law 
and  justice.  VVhen  appeals  were  made  to  the  authorities, 
they  could  get  no  redress,  and  the  villains  were  allowed 
to  escape.  One  of  the  chiefs  had  twenty  slaves  stolen 
from  him,  worth  ;jf  15,000,  who  were  carried  to  New  Or- 
leans and  sold.  An  Indian  woman  employed  a  white 
man  to  reoover  some  negroes  that  had  been  taken  from 
her;  but  instead  of  giving  him  a  power  of  attorney,  as 
she  supposed  for  the  purpose,  he  got  her  signature  to  a 
bill  of  sale  of  all  her  negroes*.  They  were  robbed  of 
large  sums  of  money  by  the  government  agents,  who  got 
their  signatures  to  receipts,  under  pretence  that  it  was 
necessary  to  send  them  to  Washington  to  get  the  money 
due  them,  and  afterwards  refused  payment.  In  some 
cases  when  their  cattle  were  stolen,  they  pursued  and 
brought  them  back;  when  they  were  punished  for  steal- 
ing them,  although  they  showed  their  own  marks  on  the 
cattle.  But  as  the  Indian's  evidence  could  not  be  re- 
ceived in  a  court  of  justice,  the  white  man's  oath  would 
condemn  him  to  the  most  cruel  punishment. 

Numerous  other  such  cases  might  be  given  from  A-, 
merican  writers;  but  enough  has  been  stated,  we  should 
think,  to  satisfy  any  reasonable  person,  that  these  Indians 
were  justified  in  defending  themselves  from  such  outrages. 
Could  it  be  expected  that  a  people  would  quietly  submit 
to  suffer  so  much  oppression  and  injustice  without  retal- 
iating ?  Can  it  he  thought  strange  that  they  should  lose 
all  confidence  in  the  white  people,  and  look  upon  them 
as  their  enemies?  Whether  the  government  suffered  all 
this  spoliation  to  take  place,  without  even  an  attempt  to 
prevent  it,  with  a  view  to  disgust  the  Indians  and  incline 
thera  to  remove  to  the  westward,  is  not  for  us  to  say; 
but  after  events  will  enable  the  reader  the  better  to  judge 
for  himself. 


292 


llTDUlf   WARS. 


The  Florida  people  were  now  subjecied  to  retaliatioa 
on  thff  part  of  the  Indians,  who,  finding  that  they  could 
obtain  no  redress,  naturally  took  the  law  into  their  own 
hands,  and  loss  of  life  on  both  sides  was  the  consequence. 
Petitions  from  the  Florida  white  population  were  sent  to 
the  governmenty  requesting  that  the  Indians  might  be 
moved  west  piiorto  the  titne  stipulated  by  treaty.  Col. 
Gadsden  was  appointed  commissioner  to  treat  with  the 
Indians,  and  had  a  meeting  with  Micanopah,  and  a  few 
other  chiefs,  April  8th,  1832.  The  chiefs  appearediin- 
willing  to  agree  to  the  removah  but  were  willing  to  a- 
bide  by  the  former  treaty.  After  many  consultations  and 
a  delay  of  a  month,  their  consent  was  obtained  to  com- 
ply with  the  wishes  of  the  government|  and  a  treaty  was 
made  for  that  purpose. 

fiy  this  treaty  the  Indians  agreed  to  remove  west  upon 
being  paid  a  certain  sum  for  the  reserved  land  ;  an  annuity 
for  a  certain  number  of  years,  and  other  advantages  there- 
stated.     The   treaty   was  signed  by  IVIicanopah,  and 


in 


fourteen  others ;  but  it  was  assented  to  upon  one  condi- 
tion, that  the  Seminoles  were  satisfied  with  the  lands  ap- 
portioned to  theip  west  of  the  Mississippi.  To  ascertain 
this  seven  chiefs  were  selected  to  explore  the  country, 
and  if  they  were  satisfied  that  it  was  equal  to  what  was 
represented,  the  treaty  was  to  be  ratified,  otherwise  they 
were  not  to  be  bound  by  it.  These  chiefs  reported  unfa- 
vorably ;  and  the  government  having  delayed  making  any 
appropriation  of  land  for  the  Indians  for  more  than  two 
years,  they  became  dissatisfied,  and  the  'treaty  was  pro- 
nounced to  be  **  a  white  man^s  treaty,"  which  they  did 
not  any  longer  consider  to  be  binding. 

'Inhere  was  another  difficulty  which  caused  strong  objec- 
tions to  their  removal  to  the  westward.  'J'he  i^^eminole 
Indians  owned  a  large  number  of  negroes  and  many  cat- 
tle, which  they  had  good  reason  to  believe  would  all  be 
taken  from  them  by  their  new  neighbors,  the  Creeks  and 
Pawanees,  who  were  too  powerful  for  them  to  resist. 
Therefore,  as  the  first  would  take  from  them  all  their 
slaves  and  the  latter  all  their  cattle,  they  considered  that 
utter  destitution  would  be  the  consequence.  An  Ameri- 
pan  writer  treating  upon  this  snbject  says.     "  It  was  then 


^ 


INDIAK  WARS. 


203 


anj 

two 

pro- 

y  did 

)jec- 
linole 

cat- 
ill  be 

and 
esist. 
their 

that 
nieri- 

then 


suggested  to  them  that  by  a  sale  of  these  negroes  before 
they  left  Florida,  they  would  augment  their  resources, 
and  could  go  into  their  new  country  without  the  dread  of 
exciting  the  cupidity  of  the  Creeks.  But  these  Indians 
have  alwajrs  evinced  great  reluctance  to  parting  with  their 
slaves ;  indeed  the  Indian  loves  his  negro  as  much  as  one 
of  his  own  children,  and  the  sternest  necessity  alone 
ivould  drive  him  to  the  parting ;  this  recommendation 
was,  therefore,  viewed  with  evident  alarm,  and  as  the 
right  of  retainii^  possession  of  them  was  guaranteed  by 
the  comrpissioner,  strong  doubts  were  raised  of  the  cin- 
qerity  of  the  pledge. 

"  The  Seminole  Indians  are  poor  agriculturalists  and 
husbandmen,  and  withal  too  indolent  to  till  the  ground, 
and,  without  their  neii;roes  would  literally  starve  ;  besides 
should  they  dispose  of  them  they  could  not  be  replenished 
Jn  a  new  country..  Again;  the  opposition  of  the  slaves 
themselves  to  being  sold  to  the  whites  would  excite  all 
itheir  energies  to  prevent  emigration,  for  they  dread  the 
idea  of  being  transferred  to  sugnr  and  cotton  plantations, 
where  they  must  be  subject  to  the  surveilance  of  the  over- 
seer. '1  he  life  of  a  slave  among  the  Indians,  compared 
with  that  of  negroes  under  overseers  is  one  of  luxury  and 
ease ;  the  demands  upon  him  are  very  trifling,  scarcely 
ever  exceeding  eight  or  ten  bushels  from  the  crop,  the 
remainder  being  applied  to  his  own  profit.  They  live 
separate,  and  often  remote,  from'  their  ownejrs,  and  enjoy 
an  equal  share  of  liberty.  The  negro  is  also  much  more 
pdTOvident  and  ambitious  than  his  master,  and  the  peculiar 
localities  of  the  country  eminently  facilitate  him  in  fur- 
nishing the  Indian  with  rum  and  tobacco,  which  gives 
him  a  controlling  influence  over  the  latter,  and  at  the 
same  time  aflords  him  an  immense  profit ;  so  that  it  can 
be  easily  imagined  that  the  negroes  would  in  no  manner 
.be  benefited  by  the  change." 

In  October,  1834,  a  council  of  Indians. was  again  sum- 
moned by  the  agent,  when  a  long  talk  was  held  with 
them,  in  which  many  of  the  chiefs  expressed  themselves 
in  tht  strongest  manner  against  the  removal,  and  gave 
their  reasons.  The  agent  made  several  proposals  to  them, 
to  which  he  demandfTd  an  immediate  answer.     The  chiefs 


294 


IMDIAN    WARS. 


retired  and  held  a  private  council.  It  is  said  that  Osceo- 
la, (the  rising  sun,)  a  distinguished  chief  of  the  Micosu- 
kee  tribe,  urged  them  strongly  to  resist  going,  and  de- 
clared that  he  should  consider  as  his  enemy  any  one  who 
agreed  to  go.  Osceola  had  not  signed  the  treaty,  and  had 
from  the  beginning  showed  a  determined  opposition  to 
any  agreement  to  sell  their  lands,  or  to  give  up  any  of 
their  natural  rights. 

The  next  day  the  council  was  resumed,  and  the  chiefs 
made  their  replies  to  the  agent,  in  which  they  declared 
their  determination  not  to  go  to  the  west  till  the  expira- 
tion of  twenty  years,  and  that  they  should  be  paid  their 
annuity  agreeably  to  the  first  treaty  in  1823.  The  agent 
made  a  long  talk  to  them,  in  which  he  said,  "  I  have  told 
you  that  you  must  stand  to  your  bargain.  My  talk  is 
still  the  same.  Your  father,  the  President,  who  is  your 
friend,  will  compel  you  to  go.  Therefore  be  not  deluded 
by  any  hope  or  expectation  that  you  will  be  permitted  to 
remain  here."  The  council  and  parties  separated  without 
coming  to  any  agreement.  The  Indians,  finding  they  had 
nothing  to  expect  but  oppression,  laid  up  large  stores  of 
powder  and  lead,  and  prepared  themselves  for  resistance. 
Six  months  elapsed,  when  they  were  informed  that  they 
were  to  hear  the  last  talk  of  their  father,  the  President, 
on  this .  side  of  the  Mississippi.  On  the  22d  of  April, 
the  Indians  assembled,  and  had  the  following  communica- 
tion from  President  Jackson. 

"My  Children — I  am  sorry  to  have  heard  that  you 
have  been  listening  to  bad  counsel.  You  know  me,  and 
you  know  that  I  would  not  deceive,  nor  advise  you  to  do 
any  thing  that  was  unjust  or  injurious.  Open  your  cars 
and  attend  now  to  what  1  am  going  to  say  to  you.  They 
are  the  words  of  a  friend,  and  the  words  of  truth. 

**  The  white  people  are  settling  around  you.  The 
game  has  disappeared  from  your  country.  Your  people 
are  poor  and  hungry.  All  this  you  have  perceived  for 
some  time.  And  nearly  three  years  ago  you  made  an 
agreement  with  your  friend  Colonel  Gadsden,  acting  on 
the  part  of  the  United  States,  by  which  you  agreed  to 
cede  your  lands  in  Florida,  and  to  remove  and  join  your 
brothers,  the  Greeks,  in  the  country  west  of  the  Mississip- 


INIIiAN    WARS. 


296 


t\ 


pi.  You  annexed  a  condition  to  this  agreement,  that  cer- 
tain c)iiefs  named  therein,  in  whom  you  placed  confidence, 
should  proceed  to  the  western  country,  and  examine 
whether  it  was  suitable  to  your  wants  and  habits ;  and 
whether  the  Creeks  residing  there  were  willing  to  permit 
you  to  unite  with  them  as  one  people,  and  if  the  persons 
thus  sent  were  satisfied  on  these  heads,  then  the  arrange- 
ment with  Col.  Gadsden  was  to  be  in  full  force. 

"  In  conformity  with  these  provisions,  the  chiefs  nam- 
ed by  you,  proceeded  to  that  country,  and  having  exam* 
ined  it,  and  having  become  satisfied  raspecting  its  char- 
acter and  the  favorable  disposition  of  the  Creeks,  they 
entered  into  an  agreement  with  commissioners  on  the  part 
of  the  United  States,  by  which  they  signified  their  satis- 
faction on  these  subjects,  and  finally  ratified  the  treaty 
made  with  Col.  Gladsden. 

"  I  now  learn  that  you  refuse  to  carry  into  effect  the 
soUmn  promises  thus  made  by  you,  and  that  you  have 
stated  to  the  officers  of  the  United  States,  sent  among 
you,  that  you  will  not  remove  to  the  western  country. 

"  My  Children,  I  have  never  deceived,  nor  will  I  ever 
deceive  any  of  the  red  people.  I  tell  you  that  you  must 
go,  and  that  you  will  go.  Even  if  you  had  a  right  to  stay 
how  could  you  live  where  you  now  are  f  You  have  sold 
all  your  country.  You  have  not  a  piece  as  large  as  a 
blanket  to  sit  down  upon.  What  is  to  support  yourselves, 
your  women  and  children  ;  The  tract  vou  have  ceded 
will  soon  be  surveyed  and  sold,  and  immediately  after- 
wards will  be  occupied  by  a  white  population.  You  will 
soon  be  in  a  state  of  starvation.  You  will  commit  depre- 
dations upon  the  property  of  our  citizens.  You  will  be 
resisted,  punished,  perhaps  killed.  Now  is  it  not  better 
peaceably  to  remove  to  a  fine,  fertile  country,  occupied  by 
your  own  kindred,  and  where  you  can  raise  all  the  neces- 
saries of  life,  and  where  game  is  yet  abundant  ?  The  an- 
nuities payable  to  you,  and  the  other  stipulations  made  in 
your  favor,  will  make  your  situation  comfortable,  and  will 
enable  you  to  increase  and  improve.  If,  therefore,  you 
had  a  right  to  stay  where  you  now  are,  still  every  true 
friend  would  advise  you  to  remove,  but  you  have  no  right 
to  stay,  and  you  must  go.     I  am  very  desirous  that  you 


296 


irtAIAN    WARI. 


should  go  peaceably  and  voluntarily.  Yau  shall  ba  coM- 
fortabiy  taken  care  of,  and  kipdiy  treated  on  the  road,  and' 
when  you  arrive  in  your  new  country,  provisions  will  be 
issued  to  you  for  a  year,  so  that  you  can  have  ample  time 
to  provide  for  your  future  supuort. 

**  But  lest  some  of  your  rash  young  men  should  forcibly 
oppose  your  arrangements  for  removal,  I  hdvft  orde/ed'  a 
large  military  force  to  be  sent  among  y^M  I  r^ave  direct- 
ed the  commanding  officer,  and  likp  Ui;  t!f>  j^nt,  your 
friend  General  Thompson,  that  ovfy  •'easonable  indul- 
gence be  held  out  to  you.  Bit*.  T  have  a.so  directed  that 
one  third  of  your  people,  as  p^i>vi<;jd  for  in  the  treaty,  be 
removed  during  the  present  season.  If  you  listen  to  the 
voice  of  friendship  and  truth,  you  will  go  quietly  and  vol- 
untarily. But  should  you  listen  to  the  bad  birds  that  arcf 
always  flying  about  you,  and  refuse  (o  femove,  I  have 
then  directed  the  commanding  officer  to  remove  you  by 
force.  This  will  be  dohe.  1  priay  the  Great  Spirit  there- 
fore, to  incline  you  to  do  what  is  right." 

The  Seminoles  beeame  divided  among  theitiselves, 
Some  of  the  sub-chiefs  agreed  to  remove;  but  the  princi-^ 
pal  chiefs  not  only  refused  to  go,  but  considered  all  who 
agreed  to  submit  as  their  enemies.  One  of  the  chiefs 
who  had  made  arrangements  to  remove,  was  shot  by  C/sce- 
ola,  and  most  of  his  warriors  joined  the  hostile  party. 
Th&  agent  undertook  to  deprive  the  opposing  chiefs  of 
their  rank,  and  declared  that  Aficanopah  was  no  longer 
chief  of  the  SemiuoleS  ;  his  name  with  the  other  chiefs 
who  joined  with  him,  were  struck  out  of  the  council  ol 
the  nation.  Tli'f  'parsed  great  irritation;  and  ttie  con* 
duct  of  the  areof  :-  Jisappr  .J  of  by  the  Secretary 
of  War;  bu^  .'.;  government  took  no  measures  to  re- 
move tho  difficulty,  or  to  do  justice  to  the  injured  party. 

In  June,  1836,  Osceola,  the  chief  of  the  Micosukees, 
came  in  to  complain  of  the  treatment  his  people  had  re- 
ceived from  some  white  men,  one  having  been  wounded. 
He  received  no  redress,*aiid  saying  sometliing  offensive 
to  the  agent,  was  thrown  into  prison.  To  obtain  his 
liberty,  it  is  said  he  signed  the  treaty  ;  but  this  must  be 
considered  only  as'  an  Indian  stratagem*  He  had  been 
imprisoned  without  cause,  and  it  may  be   presumed  that 


INOUN  WAHft. 


S07 


he  thought  himself  justified  in  escaping  by  a  correspond- 
ing fraud  on  his  part.  In  a  month  sfterthis  occurrence, 
some  of  his  tribe  murdered  a  government  mail* carrier. 
This,  with  the  killing  the  friendly  chief  by  Osceola,  was 
the  signal  for  the  commencement  hostilities.      The 

Indians  immediately  abandoned  all  thi  •wns,  and,  con- 
cealing their  trails,  removed  their  family  ^  to  a  pluce  of 
safety,  which  has  ever  since  baffled  all  •  ojecture,  and 
been  a  subject  of  the  greatest  astonis^'iment 

The  white  population  of  Florida  w  •  never  very  uu- 
onerons,  and  is  composed  of  variolic  desc  "^tion?"  of  people, 
from  all  nations.  In  1830  thtre  were,  18,1  K)  whites, 
and  16,000  slav'^.s,  exclusive  of  the  ln4iar^.  The  vari- 
ous bands  or  trib<>s  of  Indians  in  Florida  e  been  call- 
ed Scminoles  ;  but  there  never  was  a  trii 
that  name  ;  it  is  a  term  for  runaways  or  .« 
ing  a  compound  of  the  old  Florida  Indians, 
of  Creeks,  who  quit  ted  the  tribe  previous  to 
west  of  the  Mississippi,  and  negroes  who  ii 
the  Indians.  The  whole  number  of  their 
the  commencement  of  the  war,  was  as  foii^ 
Micosukee  Indians,  of   whick  Osceola   was 


or  nation  of 

.derers;  be- 

wo  varieties 

ir  removal 

slaves  to 

« triors,  at 

"is: — The 

principal 


chief,  iOO;  Creek  anc  Spanish  Indians,  850;   Negroes, 
600  to  700;  in  all  about  1900. 

It  is  supposed  that  tlie  hostile  Indians  retreated  to 
tome  portion  of  the  vast  swamps  which  surrounded  the 
Ouithlacoochee  river.  Marauding  parties  now  commen- 
ced on  the  part  of  the  Irdians,  who  took  summary  ven- 
seance  on  those  who  had  robbed  and  maltreated  them. 
The  whole  country  yrn^  under  conflagration,  and  the 
whites  were  compelled  to  abandon  every  thing,  and  seek 
protection  under  the  forts.  Gen.  Clinch,  who  comman- 
ded at  Fort  Brooke,  having  been  reinforced,  no  time  was 
lost  in  preparing  two  companies  to  march  against  the 
enemy.  On  the  24th  of  December,  1835,  a  force  of  one 
hundred  men,  and  eight  officers,  with  a  field  piece,iinder 
the  command  of   Maj.  Dade,  commenced  their  march. 

On  the  morning  of  the  jSSth,  when  it  had  proceeded 
four  miles  from  the  encamf/tnent  of  the  previous  night, 
this  force  was  attacked  by  the  Indians,  whose  first  volley 
was  very  destructive,  Major   Dade   with   almost'  every 


SOS 


IN»IAN   wahs. 


I  ! 


man  of  the  advanced  guard  falling  dead.  The  Indians 
were  repelled  by  the  troops  under  Captain  Gardner,iipon 
whom  the  command  then  devolved,  and  the  Americans 
proceeded  to  throw  up  breastworks  ;  but  before  they, 
could  raise  them  high  enough  for  efficient  protection, the 
Indians  attacked  them  again.  The  Americans  brought 
their  field-piece  into  play,  but  the  breastworks  not  being 
high  enough,  the  Indians  shot  down  every  man  who  at- 
tempted to  work  the  gun.  All  the  officers,  and  more 
than  two  thirds  of  the  American  troops  had  fallen,  when 
the  survivors  found  that  all  their  ammunition  was  expen- 
ded. The  Indians,  perceiving  this,  rushed  in,  and,  with 
the  exception  of  two  men,  who,  although  severely 
wounded,  contrived  to  conceal  themselves,  and  ultimate- 
ly to  make  their  escape;  not  one  of  the  whole  detachment 
was  spartd. 

The  force  of  the  Indians  is  supposed  to  have  amounted 
to  from  three  hundred  and  fifty  to  four  hundred.  The  eon- 
test  lasted  six  hours;  and  it  must  be  admitted  that  noth- 
ing could  be  more  gallant  than  the  defence  which  was 
made  by  the  troops  against  such  a  superior  force. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day,  the  Americans  bad 
to  lament  the  loss  of  General  Thompson  the  Indian  agent 
at  Fort  King.  Imprudently  strolling  out  about  three 
hundred  yards  from  the  fort,  he  was  attacked  by  the  In- 
dians, who  laid  in  ambush  for  him,  and  with  Lieut.  Smith 
and  three  other  people  belonging  to  the  fort,  was  shot 
dead.  This  party  of  Indians  was  headed  by  Osceola, 
who  warned  General  Thompson  that  the  white  men  should 
suffer  for  their  treatment  of  him.  His  peculiar  and  shrill 
war-yell  was  given  as  the  Indian  party  retreated,  to  let 
the  whiles  know  to  whom  they  were  indebted  for  the 
massacre. 

General  Clinch  hpving  been  reinforced  at  Fort  Brooke, 
where  he  had  two  hundred  regular  troops,  with  five  hun- 
dred volunteers  under  the  command  of  General  Call, 
now  moved  with  the  whole  force  of  seven  hundred  men. 
On  the  30th  of  December,  as  they  were  passing  the 
Ouithlacoochee  river  the  Indians  watched  their  opportu- 
nity, and  when  a  portion  only  of  the  troops  had  gained 
the  opposite  side,  commenced  an  attack,  which  was  vig- 


IMBIAN    WARS. 


M9 


bad 

gent 
;hree 
le  In- 
mith 
shot 
eola, 
lould 
ihrill 
;o  let 
the 

)oke, 
JhuD- 
jCall, 
Imen. 
the 
lortu- 
lined 
vig- 


orously and  successfully  resisted  ;  the  Indians,  in  little 
more  than  an  hour,  were  beaten  off.  The  battle  was, 
ho  vever,  severe,  and  the  Americans  sustained  a  loss  of 
sixty  three  killed  and  wounded.  The  Indian  force  is 
supposed  to  have  amounted  to  seven  hundred  men. 

But  independent  of  these  conflicts  with  the  militia  and 
regulars,  the  ravages  of  the  Indians  over  the  whole  coun* 
try  are  stated  to  have  been  most  fearful.  Women  rnd 
children  were  murdered,  and  the  hearth  made  desoU^e  in 
every  portion  of  the  country.  In  the  more  settled  parts 
near  St.  Augustine,  the  sugar  cane  plantations,  with  the 
expensive  works  attached  to  them,  were  destroyed,  and 
in  many  cases  the  slaves  who  were  on  the  plantations 
were  either  carried  off,  or  voluntarily  joining  the  Indians, 
increased  the  strength  of  the  enemy.  More  than  a  hun- 
dred estates  were  thus  laid  waste,  the  average  loss  upon 
each  estate,  being  computed,  independent  of  the  lo^  of 
the  negroes,  at  fifty  thousand  dollars. 

On  the  I3th  February,  1S36,  Gen.  Gaines,  having  ar- 
rived at  Fort  Brooke,  reviewed  the  force,  which  amount- 
ed to  between  eleven  and  twelve  hundred  men,  and  com- 
menced his  march  to  relieve  Fort  King,  at  which  post  he 
arrived  on  the  £d  February,  without  falling  in  with  any 
of  the  Indians.  The  general  then  made  a  detour  in  pur- 
suit of  the  Indians.  On  the  27th,  when  the  force  was 
cr  ^ssing  the  Ouithlacoochee  River,  it  was  assailed  by  the 
Indians,  who  retired  after  a  skirmish  of  three-quarters 
of  an  hour,  the  Americans'  loss  being  very  trifling.  On 
the  2Sth,  when  again  fording  the  river,  the  Indians  made 
another  attack,  which  was  continued  for  nearly  four  hours, 
and  the  Americans  had  to  lament  the  loss  of  Major  Izard, 
who  was  killed,  and  two  otherofficers  were  also  wounded. 
On  the  20th,  the  Indians  again  attacked,  with  a  force  of 
at  least  a  thousand  men,  with  a  view  of  forcing  the  A- 
merican  troops  from  the  breastwork  which  they  had 
thrown  up;  the  Indians,  after  about  two  hours  fighting, 
set  fire  to  the  high  grass;  but  unfortunately  for  them,  the 
wind  suddenly  changed,  and,  instead  of  burning  out  the 
American  troops,  all  their  own  concealed  positions  were 
burnt  up  and  exposed,  and  they  were  compelled  to  retire. 
The  loss  on  the  Indian  side  was  not  known,  but  suppos* 


''^- 


3m 


INDIAN   WAR! 


•d  to  be  heavy}  that  on  the  part  of   the   Americans   a' 
mounted  to  thirty*two  killed  and  wounded. 

On  the  evening  of  the  6th  of  March,  the  Indian  inter- 
preter came  in  from  the  Seminoles,  stating  that  they 
wished  to  hold  a  conncil,  and  did  not  want  any  more  fight- 
ing. On  the  6th  a  truce  was  held,  when  Osceola  and 
other  chiefs  made  their  appearance,  saying  that  if  the 
Americans  would  not  cross  the  river,  they  would  remain 
on  their  own  side  of  it,  and  not  conmit  any  more  ravages. 
1  his  was  in  fact  nothing  but  the  original  proposal  of  the 
Indians,  that  they  should  remain  upon  the  land  which  had 
been  assigned  to  them  by  ihe  treaty  of  Camp  Moultrie. 
The  reply  of  Gen.  Gaines  was  that  he  was  not  authoriz- 
ed to  make  a  treaty  with  them  ;  their  arms  must  be  giv- 
en up,  and  they  must  remain  on  the  other  side  of  the  riv- 
er, until  the  American  Government  sent^  them  away  west 
of  the  Mississippi. 

Gen.  Gaines  who  had  heard  that  Gen.  Scott  had  been 
appointed  to  the  command  in  Florida,  now  resigned  that 
authority  to  Gen.  Clarke,  and  on  the  11th,  the  troops  ar- 
rived at  fort  Drano.  It  hardly  need  be  observed  that  th& 
treating  with  the  Indians  ended  in  nothing.  Gen.  Scott 
having  assumed  the  command,  arrived  at  Fort  Drane  o» 
the  13th  March,  18S6.  He  had  previously  to  contend 
with  heavy  rains  and  almost  impracticable  roads,  and  wa» 
encumbered  with  a  heavy  baggage  train  ;  his  whole  force 
amounted  to  nearly  6,000  men.  This  he  divided  into  a 
centre  and  two  wings,  so  as  to  scour  the  whole  country, 
and  force  the  Indians  from  their  retreat;  but  in  vain. 
The  Indians  being  on  the  flanks  of  each  division,  occa- 
sional skirmishes  took  place ;  but  when  the  troops  arrived 
to  where^  the  Indians  were  supposed  to  be,  not  a  man  wa» 
to  be  seen^  nor  could  they  discover  the  retreat  of  their 
families.  Occasionally  the  Indians  attacked  the  outposts 
with  great  vigor,  anci  were  bravely  repulsed  ;  but  the 
whole  army  of  5,000  men  did"  not  kill  and  capture  more 
than  twenty  Indians.  The  swamps  extended  over  a 
great  surface  of  ground,  here  and  there  was  an  Island  on 
which  the  Indians  could  remain,  while  to  attack  them  the 
troops  \vould  have  to  wade  up  to  their  necks  for  miles, 
and  as  soon  as  they  arrived,  the  Indians  were  gone. 


if- 


^ 
'■ 


IK9IAN   WARS. 


301 


The  whole  of  the  coutest  with  the  Florida  Indians  has 
been  nothing  more  than  a  sort  of  petty  partizan  warfare, 
a  detail  of  the  particulars  of  which  would  be  of  little  in- 
terest to  the  reader.  Frequent  skirmishes  took  place  be- 
tween the  hostile  parties,  without  gaining  much  advantage 
on  either  side,  or  doing  any  thing  which  tended  in  the 
least  to  bring  the  war  to  a  close*  Gen.  Scott  resigned 
the  command,  and  was  succeeded  by  Gen.  Jesup,  of  whom 
much  was  expected  by  a  vigorous  prosecution  of  the  war ; 
but  he  met  with  as  little  success  as  his  predecessors. 
Finding  there  was  nothing  to  be  gained  but  disgrace  by 
open  and  honorable  warfare,  a  plan  was  adopted  to  effect 
the  purposes  of  the  government  by  a  new  system  ;  which 
was  to  get  into  their  power  the  principal  chiefs  of  the 
Seminoles  by  stratagem.  These  chiefs  had  always  shown 
a  readiness  to  meet  their  opponents  and  agree  to  bury  the 
balchet,  provided  they  sliould  be  suffered  to  remain  un- 
molested on  the  lands  reserved  to  them  by  treaty,  and  be 
protected  in  their  rights,  as  had  been  agreed  upon  by  the 
government. 

Osceola  was  known  to  be  a  brave  and  sagacious  war- 
rior, and  was  at  this  time  the  principal  chief.  He  was 
viewed  as  the  great  master  spirit  and  director  of  all  the 
hoiStile  bands  of  Seminole  warriors.  It  was  deemed,  there- 
fore, a  great  achievement  by  the  American  general  to  get 
him  into  his  power.  Gen.  Jesup  found  meansto  communi- 
cate to  the  Indians  that  it  was  his  wish  to  have  the  chiefs 
come  in  and  hold  a  talk,  in  order  to  come  to  some  agree- 
ment. White  flags  were  disjjiayed  on  the  fort.  On  the 
30th  of  October,  1837,  Osceola,  accompanied  by  other 
chiefs,  and  a  few  warriors,  came  in  agreeably  to  the  in- 
vitation ;  he  carrying  a  white  flag  in  his  hand,  and  relying 
on  the  honor  of  the  commanding  general,  put  himself  in 
his  power ;  but  instead  of  being  received  as  was  expected, 
they  were  immediately  surrounded  by  bayonets,  made 
prisoners,  and  confined  in  the  Fort.  Whether  Gen.  Jes- 
up was  alone  accountable  for  this  act  of  ireacliery,  or 
whether  he  acted  under  orders  from  the  President,  is  not 
known  ;  but  the  government  having  afterwards  approved 
of  the  measure,  it  became  their  own  act. 

Osceola  was  kepi  there  a  prisoner  for  some  time,  when 


802 


INIIAN    WARS. 


he  {was,  by  order  of  the  government,  convayed  under  a 
strong  guard,  to  Sullivan  Island  in  the  harbor  of  Charls- 
ton,  S.  C.  and  confined  in  the  fort.  His  proud,  indepen- 
dent spirit  could  not  bear  the  confinement,  and  he  gradu- 
ally pined  away  and  died  in  prison.  Thus  fell  another 
brave  Indian  chieftain,  though  not  in  fair  fight,  but  in  a 
manner  that  will  ever  be  a  stigma  upon  our  national 
honor. 

Other  chiefs  were  kidnapped  in  the  same  treacherous 
manner ;  but  severe  as  the  loss  must  have  been  to  the  In- 
dians, it  did  not  appear  to  discourage  them.  The  war 
was  still  carried  on  by  those  who  were  left,  and  indeed  it 
still  continued  ;  for  the  ranks  of  the  Indians  are  said  to 
be  filled  up  by  runaway  slaves,  and  some  of  the  Creek  In- 
dians who  had  not  yet  quitted  Georgia.  On  the  24th 
of  December,  1837,  a  severe  battle  was  fought  between 
the  Indians  sAid  the  American  troops,  at  a  spot  between 
Pease  Creek  and  the  Big  Cypress  Swamps.  On  this  oc- 
casion the  Americans  lost  Cols.  Thompson  and  Gunty, 
with  twenty  eight  killed,  and  one  hundred  and  eleven 
wounded. 

In  all  ages  and  with  all  nations,  civilized  or  uncivilized, 
the  ilag  of  truce  has  always  been  regarded  as  an  emblem 
of  peace,  and  a  violation  of  it  ought  to  be  held  in  detesta- 
tion by  every  friend  of  humanity.  It  often  has  the  effect 
of  staying  the  hand  of  slaughter,  and  preventing  the  shed- 
ding of  much  blood,  by  giving  time  for  the  passions  to 
cool,  and  for  reason  to  assert  its  empire.  The  Indians  in 
their  most  savage  state,  have  had  their  tokens,  by  which 
it  has  always  been  understood  that  hostilities  were  to 
cease  for  the  time,  that  negotiation  might  commence. 
When  the  pipe  of  peace  has  been  held  out  it  has  always 
been  respected.  Even  the  wild  Arab  never  violates  his 
pledge  of  friendship,  when  he  eats  the  bread  and  salt 
with  the  stranger,  though  he  should  be  his  enemy.  The 
white  flag  has  been  adopted  by  all  Christian  nations  as  an 
emblem  of  peace,  and  the  Indians  have  been  taught  that 
it  must  be  held  sacred  as  such,  and  never  to  be  violated  ; 
and  it  is  to  b.j  lamented  that  a  nation  who  profess  to 
be  Christians,  should  be  the  first  to  set  the  example  of  de- 
parting from  a  usage  of  so  much  importance,  for  the  pur- 


m 


INDIAN    WAltl. 


S03 


pose  of  effecting  by  deception  what  they  were  unable  to 
do  by  open  and  honorable  warfare. 

It  has  been  thought  that  every  invention  that  ingenuity 
could  contrive  had- been  used  for  the  purpose  of  destroy- 
ing the  poor  Indians;  but  it  seems  that  a  new  plan  has 
been  adopted,  which  puts  humanity  to  the  blush,  and 
leaves  all  other  means  heretofore  adopted  far  in  the  back 
ground.  Agents  have  been  sent  to  Havana,  to  purchase 
a  large  number  of  blood  hounds;  these  have  been  brought 
over  at  a  great  expense,  and  trained  to  track  and  hunt 
down  the  Indians.  Fortunately,  however,  for  the  cause 
of  humanity,  the  experiment  has  proved  to  be  an  entire 
failure.  The  Spaniards  made  use  of  these  animals  in 
their  conquests  of  the  Indians  in  South  America;  and  it 
is  said  that  they  are  now  employed  by  them  in  iheir 
West  India  Islands  to  huit  for  run-away  slaves,  who 
secret  themselves  in  the  mountains  ;  but  it  is  believed  no 
one  ever  before  thought  it  possible,  that  siich  a  barba- 
rous and  inhuman  practice  would  ever  have  been  intro- 
duced into  this  country. 

The  war  in  Florida  having  been  continued  for  so  great 
a  length  of  time,  and  been  conducted  with  such  a  variety 
of  defeats  and  successes,  with  the  many  negociations  that 
have  taken  place,  and  agreements  entered  into,  which 
were  declared  to  have  put  an  end  to  all  further  difficulties, 
that  the  subject  has  created  very  little  interest  in  the  pub- 
lic mind ;  but  has  been  treated  rather  as  a  matter  for 
ridicule  than  as  requiring  any  serious  consideration.  For 
the  last  two  years  occasional  accounts  have  been  publish- 
ed in  the  papers,  of  Indian  murders,  with  now  and  then  a 
skirmish,  in  which  two  or  three  Indians  have  been  kil- 
led, and  a  few  squaws  and  papooses  taken  prisoners ;  but 
nothing  has  been  done  that  in  the  least  has  changed  the 
situation  of  affairs.  The  war  has  been  pat  an  end  to  so 
many  times,  that  the  phrase  "  Florida  war  ended,"  has 
become  a  standing  joke.  Yet  it  is  a  matter  of  the  most 
serious  nature,  and  our  government  Is  bound  in  honor,  aud 
for  the  cause  of  humanity,  to  take  some  decisive  steps  to 
do  justice  to  th&  Indians  and  bring,  about  a  speedy  and 
honorable  termination  of  all  difficulties. 

In  preparing  this  chapter  for  the    press  we  have  en- 


90i 


INBUn    VTARt 


deavored  to  make  it  as  eorrect  as  the  materials  would 
admit,  and  have  saught  for  information  from  every  source 
attainable;  but  these  have  been  very  limited  and  imper- 
fect. Yet  we  have  the  vanity  to  believe  that  our  state- 
ments are  in  the  main  correct,  and  that  they  will  be  read 
with  some  degree  of  interest  by  the  public.  The  fol- 
lowing extract  from  the  writings  of  the  Genevese  Trav- 
eller, on  the  Florida  war,  will  be  the  conclusion  of  our 
work. 

'*  The  war  was 'unrighteous  in  its  commencement,  and 
has  been  continued  for  years  under  circumstances  the 
most  profligate.  There  has  not  been  a  single  campaign 
in  which  the  army  has  not  reaped  a  plentiful  harvest  of 
mortification  and  disgrace.  When  brought  into  action 
both  officers  and  men  fought  valiantly,  but  the  character 
of  the  country,  its  deep  morasses  and  swamps,  and  the 
ignorance  of  the  troops  of  Indian  warfare,  having  uniform- 
ly tended  to  produce  the  most  disastrous  defeats. 

"  There  is  not  to  be  found  on  the  page  of  history,  in 
any  country,  an  instance  of  a  scattered  remnant  of  a  tribe, 
so  few  in  number,  defending  themselves  against  the  as- 
saults of  a  disciplined  and  numerous  army,  with  the 
same  heroism  and  triumphant  results,  with  those  of  the 
Seminoles  in  resisting  the  American  troops.  In  every 
campaign  the  invaders  have  been  at  least  ten  to  one  a- 
gainst  the  invaded.  At  no  period  have  the  Indians  been 
able  to  muster  more  than  600  or  800  warriors,  and  it  is 
doubtful  whether  they  have  ever  had  more  than  half  that 
number,  while  the  American  army,  when  in  the  field, 
has  uniformly  amounted  to  from  6,000  to  10,000  men." 


fe 


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